Lithuania’s second-largest city of Kaunas will on Thursday mark the anniversary of Romas Kalanta’s self-immolation, honouring the anti-Soviet protester whose death became a symbol of resistance..
To mark the 54th anniversary of his death, a concert will be held in Kaunas City Garden. Officials and administration staff will lay memorial wreaths at the site of Kalanta’s self-immolation, at his grave in Romainiai Cemetery, and at the memorial stone near his former home.
In 1972, the 19-year-old Kalanta doused himself in petrol and shouted "Freedom for Lithuania" in Kaunas City Garden near the Musical Theatre in protest against Soviet rule. He was rushed to the hospital with severe burns and died the following day.
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