Press release, 13 January 2013
At the solemn commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the 13th of January and the Day of the Defenders of Freedom held in the Seimas, Antanas Terleckas, a political prisoner, one of the most ardent participants in the resistance to the Soviet occupation, a human rights activist and founder of the underground organisation the Lithuanian Freedom League, was awarded the Freedom Prize 2012.
Petras Auštrevičius, Member of the Seimas, Chairman of the Freedom Prize Commission, in his introduction of the winner, stressed that Terleckas’ comrades-in-arms described him as a tireless, sturdy, unyielding, and, as he characterised himself, “unoccupied” fighter for the uncompromised principles of freedom and independence.
“I find it difficult to give a better description of Terleckas’ life motto than by an excerpt from one of the many of his letters to his beloved wife, written 30 years ago on 18 January 1983 in remote exile”, Auštrevičius said during the award ceremony and quoted the words of the Freedom Prize winner, “Do not worry about my health. I am strong, both in body and soul. They will not turn me into a slave”.
“We have gathered to the historical building to commemorate the tragic events that befell our nation. I am sincerely grateful to the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania for its decision to nominate me for the prestigious award. I see this award not only as the appreciation of my accomplishments but also as a recognition of the Lithuanian Freedom League and its members, both alive and deceased”, Terleckas said when receiving the Freedom Prize.
The award was bestowed on Antanas Terleckas under the Seimas Resolution of 8 November 2012 adopted pursuant to the Law on the Freedom Prize and under the decision of the Freedom Prize Commission. The Commission nominated Antanas Terleckas for the award upon the proposal of state institutions, non-governmental organisations and associations, the academic community, communities and natural persons.
Vydas Gedvilas, Speaker of the Seimas, bestowed the Statuette of Liberty (designed by sculptor Joana Noreikaitė) on him. The Statuette was designed after the Freedom Monument by sculptor Juozas Zikaras. Terleckas was also awarded a cash prize.
Vydas Gedvilas and Antanas Terleckas. Photo by Olga Posaškova
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The Freedom Prize, established by the Law on the Freedom Prize adopted on 15 September 2011, honours individual people and organisations for their achievements in and contribution to the defence of human rights, development of democracy and fostering of international cooperation for the cause of self-determination and sovereignty of nations in Eastern and Central Europe.
The Freedom Prize is awarded annually on 13 January, on the Day of the Defenders of Freedom. The first Freedom Prize – the Freedom Prize 2011 – was awarded to Sergei Kovalev, an active Russian fighter for freedom and democracy.
Saulė Eglė Trembo, Public Relations Unit, tel: +370 5 239 6203
