Lithuania Refers Belarus President Lukashenko to International Criminal Court Over Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

Lithuania has referred Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and his regime to the International Criminal Court, accusing them of crimes against humanity. Following the disputed 2020 elections, severe crackdowns forced hundreds of thousands to flee. Lithuania cites 'deportation, persecution, and inhumane acts' as grounds for its ICC referral.

Lithuania has officially referred Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and members of his regime to the International Criminal Court, alleging crimes against humanity. These accusations stem from a severe crackdown on opposition since the disputed 2020 elections, which granted Lukashenko a sixth term.

The Lithuanian government contends there are 'reasonable grounds' to believe the regime engaged in 'deportation, persecution, and other inhumane acts' against Belarusian civilians. This has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Belarusians to neighboring countries, including Lithuania.

Lithuania claims the intent behind the regime's actions is to eliminate critics and consolidate authoritarian power. As Lukashenko eyes a seventh term, opposition leaders say pressure on exiled Belarusians is increasing to stifle opposition from abroad. Since 2020, over 65,000 protesters have been arrested, with many facing severe beatings.

(With inputs from agencies.)