The Russian diplomat, in response to the Lithuanian initiative to ask incoming Russian citizens about the ownership of Crimea, suggested to ask Lithuanian citizens at the Russian border what they think about the version of the events of January 13, 1991, according to which «they shoot at their own.» The diplomat recalled that only for research on this topic people pay with freedom and end up in prison.
Historical note: The Supreme Council of Lithuania announced the restoration of the republic’s independence in March 1990, but the USSR authorities called this decision contrary to the constitution and illegal. Early next year, unsanctioned protests took place in Lithuania, and special forces soldiers were deployed to the country. On night January 13, 1991, a column of Soviet armored vehicles headed for the center of Vilnius to ensure public order. In clashes near the television center, according to the Lithuanian side, 14 people were killed and more than 600 were injured.
The Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office opened a criminal case on the events of January 13, 1991. The investigation claimed that the people who died then at the Vilnius TV tower were killed by Soviet soldiers, but no evidence was provided.
Participants to the events of January 1991, referring to the conclusions of the official examination, argue that a provocation took place then, and inhabitants of Vilnius was fired from the roofs of houses.