Escape without coming back? Belarusians in Vilnius under government pressure

It is estimated that more than 500 000 out of 9 million Belarusians have left the country since 2020. They fled after violent suppression of protests. Lithuania became next to Poland the most crucial political and cultural centre of Belarusian emigration. To the 2.8 million inhabitants of the country, 40,000 Belarusians arrived. Its office are in Vilnius Swiatlana Cichanouska, due to the fact that the Lithuanian government gave it diplomatic position and provided protection. In August 2020, tens of thousands of people formed a human chain from Vilnius to a border 40 km away. In the windows of Lithuanian cities, white-red and white flags broke.