page_title: Lithuanian Liberty League
section_title: Relations with Sąjūdis
hierarchical_section_title: Lithuanian Liberty League / Relations with Sąjūdis
caption_attribution_description: English: Journalist Laima Pangonytė and Antanas Terleckas, 1989-09-02 Kalnų parkas, Vilnius, LithuaniaLietuvių: žurnalistė Laima Pangonytė ir Antanas Terleckas, 1989-09-02 Kalnų parkas, Vilnius, Lietuva
context_page_description: The Lithuanian Liberty League or LLL was a dissident organization in the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic and a political party in independent Republic of Lithuania. Established as an underground resistance group in 1978, LLL was headed by Antanas Terleckas. Pro-independence LLL published anti-Soviet literature and organized protest rallies. While it enjoyed limited popularity in 1987–1989, it grew increasingly irrelevant after the independence declaration in 1990. It registered as a political party in November 1995 and participated in parliamentary elections without gaining any seats in the Seimas.
context_section_description: Due to LLL's uncompromising agenda of full independence, the organization did not enjoy widespread support among the skeptic Lithuanian society. More prominent scientists, artists, and other activists joined Sąjūdis reform movement, which had more moderate agenda and was established with permission from the Soviet authorities. The relationship between the two organizations was complex. While both organizations shared similar goals, LLL was more willing to confront and Sąjūdis preferred to compromise. The League was a "doer" while Sąjūdis was the "talker." Lithuanians abroad described Sąjūdis as "government approved" and LLL as "patriotic." At first Sąjūdis distanced itself from the dissident organization hoping not to tarnish its good reputation and respectable image. In the public opinion, dissidents were discredited, brought fear of arrest or other persecution, and were seen as people without a future. The presence of LLL saved Sąjūdis from the "extremist" label. However, after a violent suppression of one of the LLL's rallies, both organizations grew closer together. When Sąjūdis opted for open membership, dissidents were free to join its ranks and in fact became its left wing. The League played an important role by marking all more sensitive dates from the history of Lithuania with protest rallies or declarations thus stirring up suppressed collective memory and revising official Soviet versions of the events. It also helped to radicalize the independence movement, hastening political reforms and declaration of independence.
caption: A.Terleckas, leader of LLL, with Laima Pangonytė in the rally in Kalnai Park, 1989
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