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A part of the wall around Parliament, built by people during the January Events, has been protected as a Memorial. It is now
covered by a roof.

Lithuanian national songs were sung by people for days on end
in front of the Parliament. Here are some of the most emotional
parts of Albinas Kentra’s video film of the singing revolution.

Freedom defenders in front of the Parliament (Albinas Kentra).

Building of barricades around the Parliament (Albinas Kentra).

THE BLOODY JANUARY EVENTS

The wall was built by people during the January Events, 1991, and has been protected as a Memorial. It is now covered by a roof. Fourteen people were killed and more than 700 injured by Soviet military and security forces in Vilnius in January 1991. Lithuania had already declared independence of the Soviet Union in March 1990. The following period was difficult with a weakening economy, energy shortages and high inflation because of economic blockade organized by the Soviet Union. Food prices increased and some products were rationed. The political situation was unstable. The Soviet leaders in Moscow and pro-Soviet groups in Lithuania were dissatisfied with the proclaimed independence, especially the Russian-speaking minorities, supported by the Moscow-backed sector of the Lithuanian Communist Party.

The new government then called on supporters of independence to protect the parliamentary building and other important public buildings, including radio and television centres. Hundreds of thousands of people all over the country responded to this call.

The Soviet military forces went into crucial action in January 1991. The fiercest attack on independence supporters took place at the Radio and Television Committee building and the TV Tower on 13 January. 13 freedom defenders were shot, one died of a heart attack and a Soviet soldier was shot by a fellow soldier. The following day after this Bloody Sunday, 100,000 people surrounded the parliament and built anti-tank barricades. The Soviet forces retreated.

The Soviet military activities continued for several months. 7 custom officers and policemen were killed at the Medininkai border checkpoint on 31 July 1991.