Vaškelevičius: Intellectuals, peoples of Lithuania, Azerbaijan suffered from Soviet repressions

Azerbaijan and Lithuania share tragic histories associated with Soviet repression, which resulted in the loss of prominent intellectuals, clergy, political figures, and tens of thousands of ordinary citizens, Lithuanian Ambassador to Baku Kęstutis Vaškelevičius said at an event commemorating the victims of political repression in Azerbaijan and Lithuania, Report informs.

He stated that despite the thousands of kilometers separating the two countries, the Lithuanian and Azerbaijani peoples are united by similar historical experiences.

"Lithuanians and Azerbaijanis may live thousands of kilometers apart, but our peoples are united by tragic pages of the past. Both Lithuania and Azerbaijan suffered from Soviet repression. Both countries lost outstanding intellectuals, teachers, political figures, clergy, and ordinary citizens whose only 'guilt' was their love for their nation, faith, culture, and freedom," the diplomat noted.

He emphasized that mass arrests, executions, imprisonments, and deportations devastated the lives of thousands of people: "Many of them never returned from Siberian exile, and entire families disappeared in exile. Despite these difficult trials, people preserved their language, culture, and hope of returning home."

The ambassador also recalled the tragedy of the Azerbaijani intelligentsia during the Stalinist repressions, particularly noting the fate of the outstanding poet Mikayil Mushfig.

"In his works, he reflected optimism and faith in life, but he himself became a victim of a system that feared free thought and independence. When a poet is silenced, the people lose part of their voice," Vaškelevičius said.

The event also focused on the fates of other prominent Azerbaijani writers, Ahmad Javad and Huseyn Javid. Famous Lithuanian figures who fell victim to the repressive policies of the Soviet authorities were also mentioned.

Salim Babullaoghlu, Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, members of the Milli Majlis, historians, and family members of Mikayil Mushfig and Dilbar Akhundzada also spoke at the event.

They emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the victims of the totalitarian regime for the education of the younger generation.