Exiles Mark Anniversary Of Belarusian People's Republic In Vilnius

Exiled Belarusians held a sunset march through the streets of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, on March 25 to commemorate the 106th anniversary of Belarus's declaration of independence.

The Belarus People's Republic declared its independence on March 25, 1918, and remained autonomous until December 1918, when it was absorbed into the newly established Soviet Union.

An unofficial holiday in Belarus, Freedom Day was celebrated in Vilnius with people proudly displaying the white-red-white flag of the short-lived republic.

After the disputed 2020 presidential election, which was widely criticized by international observers and opposition groups as fraudulent, Belarus experienced significant unrest, prompting many of its citizens to seek refuge in other countries.

A man draped in the white-red-white flag holds a sign that reads, "We are not your enemies."

The widespread protests were met with a harsh crackdown by the government, resulting in the arrests of opposition figures and activists.

Following the controversial election in Belarus, the EU, the United States, Canada, and other countries refused to recognize authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the country's legitimate leader. He has held power since 1994.

Another sign reads, "Everyone has the right to be heard. Thank you, Lithuania, for allowing us to be heard." 

Policemen watch as the procession walks near the Belarusian Embassy.

A young child holds a candle as he walks beside the flag that has become a symbol of Belarusian national identity and independence.

Exiled Belarusian singers calling themselves the Free Choir -- masked to protect their identities -- perform following the march. 

Before going into exile, the Free Choir sang in support of anti-government demonstrators and against the violent crackdown on protests in Belarus following the contested 2020 presidential vote. They now perform in European capitals like Warsaw and Berlin to draw international attention to the plight of Belarusians living under Lukashenka's authoritarian rule.