Question

Why would Gorbachev's decision to send in troops to crush the Lithuanian rebellion be seen as hypocritical

Answer 1

It might have been seen as hypocritical because he claimed that the Soviets did not use armed people and weapons during the uprising and he wanted for Lithuanians to come back to the Soviets on thier own He claimed that they were not aggressive.

Answer 2

It might have been seen as hypocritical because he claimed that the Soviets did not use armed people and weapons during the uprising and he wanted for Lithuanians to come back to the Soviets voluntarily. He did threaten with weapons and war, but it would be hypocritical to use it since he claimed that they were not aggressive.