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ICC opens probe into alleged crimes against humanity by Belarus
The ICC found a reasonable basis to investigate systematic deportation and persecution of Belarusian opposition in Lithuania as crimes against humanity.
- The ICC Office of the Prosecutor announced on March 12, 2026, it opened an investigation into suspected forced deportations by Belarusian authorities targeting opposition figures, with the case referred by Lithuania.
- Lithuania, a member state of the ICC, urged the court in September 2024, citing acts on its territory, which gives the ICC jurisdiction despite Belarus not being a member.
- Prosecutors detailed that the probes focus on deportation and persecution, including acts committed on Lithuania's territory targeting actual or perceived opponents of the Belarusian government.
- Lithuania's justice minister said she expected the ICC might seek an arrest warrant, pending judges' approval after the prosecutor's referral, welcomed by Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
- Amid the 2020 crackdown, tens of thousands fled to Lithuania, while the Viasna rights group reports 1,139 political prisoners and exiled figures face threats from Belarus's KGB.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
ICC opens investigation into alleged crimes against humanity by Belarus
The International Criminal Court has launched an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity by Belarus after Lithuania referred the case, saying some elements of the alleged crimes occurred on its territory.
·Kyiv, Ukraine
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The country is said to have deported political opponents since 2020: Prosecutors of the International Criminal Court have opened investigations against Belarus. Opposition politician Tikhanovskaya speaks of "hope".
·Germany
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched an investigation into Belarus for alleged crimes against humanity committed by the authorities in the forcible deportation of political opponents to Lithuania.
The dictator may be issued an international search warrant.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Left, 44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left, 44% of the sources are Center
45% Left
L 45%
C 44%
11%
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