Contrary to popular belief. the Communist regime did not come to power in Lithuania by democratic means. Russia occupied Lithuania in June 1940. and has held a: stranglehold on the country ever since. Communist occupation of Lithuania brought much hardship and suffering upon the people. and it is estimated that 45.000 Lithuanians lost their lives or were deported between June 15 and the time when Russian troops fled the onslaught of the German forces in Lithuania around June 21. Despite the harshness of the Russian occupation of their country. Lithuanians have kept alive the struggle against the suppression of their basic rights of freedom of speech. press. and assembly.
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