Lithuania Calls ICC to Investigate Belarus for Crimes Against Humanity

Lithuania has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Belarus for alleged crimes against humanity under Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has backed the move. Lithuania's appeal involves forced deportation, persecution, and other human rights abuses linked to Belarus's authoritarian leadership.

Lithuania has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate neighboring Belarus for alleged crimes against humanity under the regime of authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The Lithuanian justice ministry highlighted forced deportation, persecution, and other cruel actions in its request.

The move garnered support from exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who resides in Lithuania and is recognized by Vilnius as the legitimate leader of Belarus. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the importance of holding the regime accountable for its actions.

The call for an investigation comes amid widespread claims of human rights abuses by Lukashenko's administration, including illegal arrests and torture, following a disputed 2020 presidential election and subsequent mass protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)