Freedom Way International DC – Socially Distanced Human Chain

August 23, 2020 marks the 31st anniversary of the famous Baltic Way protest. About 2 million people joined hands to form a human chain over 400 miles connecting Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn against the Soviet rule.

To mark this anniversary, Lithuanians are forming a new human chain from Vilnius to the border with Belarus to show support for our, Belarusian, struggle against Lukashenka’s dictatorship. The dictator has claimed 80% of the vote in the elections that took place on August 9. The people of Belarus have been peacefully protesting ever since despite the brutal crackdown by the riot police. At least 2 people have died so far, several are expected to remain severely physically disabled for life, and hundreds more will endure PTSD.

The unique situation in Washington, DC where Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have embassies and the diaspora populations of all four countries are large, we have decided to replicate the human chain on a smaller scale and connect the four embassies.

We will assemble at the embassy of Lithuania in DC and stretch the human chain down 16th Street NW toward the embassy of Belarus on New Hampshire Ave NW and then on to the embassies of Estonia and Latvia on Massachusetts Ave NW.

We are inviting anyone who cares about free and fair elections, freedom of speech, and separation of powers to join us.

We will post more details on how the chain will be formed and assembly points later in the week.

Please dress or bring ribbons and/or balloons in these colors:
Belarus – white and red (more white)
Estonia – blue, black, and white
Latvia – red and white (more red)
Lithuania – yellow, green, and red

https://www.facebook.com/events/347813212894083/