Like several Baltic politicians, the Lithuanian Minister of Culture is now the target of a wanted notice from Russia. Interview.
3 mins
Like Simonas Kairys, the Prime Minister of Estonia and other political leaders from several Baltic states are accused by Moscow of carrying out “actions hostile against Russian memory “. They would be prosecuted for “ destruction and degradation of monuments (tribute) to Soviet soldiers » of the Second World War. A blow of pressure from the Kremlin on the former Soviet bloc countries against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
RFI: How did you react when you learned that you were the subject of a wanted notice?
Simonas Kairys: I wasn’t surprised. You know the Russians, they have articles in their criminal law which are specially dedicated to the protection of Soviet heritage in foreign countries, or to be more precise in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Or, to be even more exact, in countries that were under Soviet occupation. This means that they still imagine themselves having a certain power in sovereign and independent democratic countries, like the Lithuania, the other Baltic countries, or Poland. But it’s very simple to say: it’s nonsense. This is inappropriate. This is crazy behavior. But of course, it is also a message to remind us that we need to have our eyes wide open and understand the methods that Russia sometimes uses.
Do you see this wanted poster as a real threat?
The first consequence is that I will no longer be as comfortable in choosing my destination for my private vacation. For example, it is better not to go to countries that are not part of NATO. And this price is acceptable for me and I always try to do my work following my values, to work for Lithuania, for Europe, for Ukrainians.
This isn’t really a good way to scare someone. And I think that for Russia, this decision is aimed at its domestic market. The best way to respond to this message is to continue our efforts to do our job, live our way of life, and not be afraid of Russians or the Russian imagination.
Will your government take further measures after this decision by the Kremlin?
These allegations target me personally, but also other colleagues. For example, these allegations were announced for half of the Latvian Parliament. So, imagine how many politicians, how many people from this region are chosen to make news on the Russian side. I think such news makes us stronger and confirms that what we are doing is going in the right direction.
This is a very special moment for the Baltics. We have a platform to speak louder, to say things and highlight the real situation and not just give an opinion from a distance, particularly regarding the situation in Ukraine. We are very close to it and we will continue to support Ukraine.
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