On June 11, a solidarity rally for Belarusian political prisoner and lawyer Maksim Znak took place in front of the Belarusian embassy in Vilnius. The event was organized by the Council of the Lithuanian Bar with the support of Belarusian attorneys and activists.
Attorney Yauhen Pylchanka, who defended Maksim Znak and consequently lost his license and had to leave the country, spoke about Maksim's involvement in the 2020 election campaign, his persecution, and highlighted that Maksim's figure stands out among others: "He clearly demonstrated how attorneys should behave to align with the spirit, goals, and calling of the profession."
Mindaugas Kukaitis, Chairman of the Council of the Lithuanian Bar, also made a statement: "Today we gathered here to defend the attorney himself. We are here because our hearts demand it. We are here to speak loudly about a specific person, to speak about the torture inflicted on him, and the incommunicado situation in which this prisoner of conscience ended up."
Belarusian poetess Sabina Bryllo, in her speech, noted that Maksim Znak is not only an attorney, but also a creative individual, and his art brings light and hope. When he had the opportunity in the detention center, he wrote and released notes and poems, which are now published in the book "Zekameron." "Maksim is also persecuted for his missionary stance in life, which poses a threat and danger to the regime," she stated.
The rally concluded with the premiere of a song with lyrics by Maksim Znak translated into Lithuanian. Maksim also composed the music for the song, which was performed by Giedrius Arbačiauskas.
Attorney Yauhen Pylchanka, who defended Maksim Znak and consequently lost his license and had to leave the country, spoke about Maksim's involvement in the 2020 election campaign, his persecution, and highlighted that Maksim's figure stands out among others: "He clearly demonstrated how attorneys should behave to align with the spirit, goals, and calling of the profession."
Mindaugas Kukaitis, Chairman of the Council of the Lithuanian Bar, also made a statement: "Today we gathered here to defend the attorney himself. We are here because our hearts demand it. We are here to speak loudly about a specific person, to speak about the torture inflicted on him, and the incommunicado situation in which this prisoner of conscience ended up."
Belarusian poetess Sabina Bryllo, in her speech, noted that Maksim Znak is not only an attorney, but also a creative individual, and his art brings light and hope. When he had the opportunity in the detention center, he wrote and released notes and poems, which are now published in the book "Zekameron." "Maksim is also persecuted for his missionary stance in life, which poses a threat and danger to the regime," she stated.
The rally concluded with the premiere of a song with lyrics by Maksim Znak translated into Lithuanian. Maksim also composed the music for the song, which was performed by Giedrius Arbačiauskas.
