"We discussed issues related to state pensions. Earlier, there were separate legal acts for this group, and we want one law for this group. This group of people is a small one and decreasing," Ona Povilaitienė, head of Bičiulystė, a society of relatives of the victims of the January 13 events, told journalists after the meeting.
Currently, people who lost working capacity during the January 13 events receive state pensions. Widows of the victims and orphans also receive pensions until they finish education. They also receive compensation for utility services as well as public transport discounts.
The status of freedom defenders and victims of the January 13 events as well as subsequent acts of aggression by the Soviet Union is regulated by a separate law but social guarantees are defined in separate legal acts.
14 people were killed during an attempt by the Soviet army and special forces to take over Vilnius TV Tower on January 13, 1991, and more than 1,000 unarmed civilians were injured.
Seven officers were shot and killed during the attack in early hours of July 31, 1991. Soviet OMON officers from Riga are suspected to have carried out the attack.
