UN rejected, Lithuania overthrows Soviet monument

The impressive monument made of gray granite is located in the Andakalnis cemetery and consists of six statues of Red Army soldiers.

After remaining under Soviet occupation for 50 years, Lithuania declared its independence in 1991. With the invasion of Ukraine from Russia, the country decided to escape the legacy of the USSR.

In Andakalnis, workers have been laying their way for cranes to cross and approach the monument. Today, cars began to cut various pieces of sculptures. Under the company that has taken over the project, work is expected to be completed early next week.

The “is a day of joy, a happy moment”, Mayor Remigius Simasius told reporters after visiting the country.

In September, the UN called on Lithuania not to dismantle Soviet monuments until a dispute between the government and five Lithuanian citizens is resolved. The latter have addressed the United Nations Commission for Human Rights, arguing that the decision to break up this monument “violates minority rights and the right to private and family life”.

Lithuania insists that monuments placed in the cemetery containing human remains will be protected.

“We do it respectfully, we do not destroy the graves”, said Vilnius Mayor, downplaying the UN intervention in this case.