Between 25 - 28 March 1949 the Soviet regime forcibly deported 90,000 people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, packed them into cattle wagons and sent them to remote parts of Siberia. The majority of the deportees were women and children, the youngest was less than one year old; the oldest was 95 years old. At least two babies were born onboard the trains. Journeys to the remotest, easternmost parts of the Soviet Union lasted between 2 and 4 weeks and deportees travelled in the most inhuman of conditions. 45 Estonians died en route and many more perished as a result of the inhospitable living conditions, never to see their homeland again.
Today we remember the victims of this crime and light candles in their memory.
Starting from 6pm tonight candles will be lit on Tallinn's Freedom Square and also on Tartu Town Square. People are encouraged to place a candle in their window at home as well.
Russia has been responsible for many atrocities and sadly we are seeing them again in Ukraine, in the year 2022.
