Vilnius Cathedral. Katedros Square 2

A few days later, the nation said goodbye to the tragic victims of the January 13 events with a national mourning.

Several of the victims were taken to be buried in their native towns. The wake for the others was organised in the Sports Palace in Vilnius.

Vilnius Cathedral held a mass and thousands of mourners lined up by the coffins to pay respects. The square by the Cathedral was full, as was the adjacent Gedimino Avenue.

Witnesses recall that even though most attendees had not known the deceased personally, many were weeping. They brought flowers and lit candles.

Former KGB officers later testified in court that security services kept a close watch on everyone who came to the funeral.