Georgia stands with Lithuania on Defenders of Freedom Day, 5th President Zourabichvili

The fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, has expressed solidarity with Lithuania on Defenders of Freedom Day, commemorating the 34th anniversary of the nation’s defense of its independence.

Posting on the social network X, Zourabichvili wrote, “on January 13, 1991, the brave and united Lithuanian people defended their independence. On this important day, Georgia stands with Lithuania and its people”.

She also highlighted the “strong ties” between the two nations, stating, “Georgia always feels the strong support of Lithuania on its European path.”

Lithuania observes Defenders of Freedom Day annually on January 13 to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. The day marks a key moment in Lithuania’s history, when Soviet military forces attempted to suppress the independence movement in the capital, Vilnius.

From January 11-13, 1991, Soviet troops targeted unarmed demonstrators who were guarding key institutions, including the Vilnius TV Tower. The brutal crackdown claimed the lives of 14 civilians and left hundreds injured.