Prime minister: crimes against humanity will never be forgotten

Crimes against humanity committed during the occupation will never be forgotten, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said on Sunday, as the country marked the Day of Mourning and Hope.

The day commemorates the start of mass deportations carried out by the Soviet regime in 1941, when thousands of Lithuanians were separated from their homeland, families, and homes, the prime minister noted in a statement reported by BNS.

“The Day of Mourning and Hope testifies to a painful period in history and reminds us of the crimes of the Soviet regime—the beginning of mass deportations. At that time, thousands of Lithuanian residents were torn from their homeland, loved ones, and homes. This was a brutal crime against humanity that will never be forgotten. Today, we remember all the victims in our hearts and honour the memory of those who never returned,” Ruginienė said.

She emphasised that, regardless of profession, social status, or political views, everyone must stand united and work responsibly to strengthen Lithuania, never losing hope or faith in the ideals of freedom.

“We bow our heads to all those who remain in the eternal frost of foreign soil, to those who endured days filled with heartache and grief, and to those who nurtured hope for a free Lithuania for decades,” the prime minister added.

Lithuania observes the Day of Mourning and Hope every year on June 14 to remember the Soviet deportations and honour their victims.