Lithuania Seeks ICC Probe into Belarusian Crimes

Lithuania has formally requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged crimes against humanity by Belarus, citing deportation and persecution of civilians since May 2020. The Lithuanian government argues that part of these crimes occurred within its borders, thus potentially falling under ICC jurisdiction, similar to the Myanmar/Bangladesh case. Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya supports this move, stating it provides hope and demonstrates international support for the Belarusian people. Since the disputed 2020 elections, over 300,000 Belarusians, including Tsikhanouskaya, have fled due to the regime's crackdown on dissent. Lithuania's referral accuses President Alexander Lukashenko and his regime of forcibly displacing Belarusians to consolidate power. The ICC prosecutor has indicated an intent to open a probe into these allegations.