PEN Belarus stands in solidarity with the Lithuanian cultural community in its fight for democratic principles and freedom of expression.<\/p>\n
The representatives and members of Lithuania\u2019s cultural community \u2013 artists, curators, writers, designers, architects, musicians, dancers, film and theater directors, actors, critics, museum workers, librarians, researchers, producers, leaders of NGOs and festivals, cultural workers and citizens \u2013 express our deepest concern regarding the recent \u201cswitcharoo\u201d \u2013 the Government\u2019s decision to trade the Ministry of Culture as a pawn in their negotiations with the Nemuno Au\u0161ra political party.<\/p>\n
This party, known for its populist, antisemitic, and pro-Russian rhetoric, paid little to no attention to culture in their political program. Moreover, it has shown to have neither the required competencies to govern this extremely important part of the country\u2019s life, nor a commitment to protect culture and its autonomy.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Culture is not a pawn that can be exchanged or sacrificed for political gain. Culture is the living memory of a nation. Culture forms the foundation of a country\u2019s democratic values and serves as a bridge connecting its past with its future. Culture is also crucial for a society to be able to resist propaganda and disinformation.<\/p>\n