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The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has announced the commencement of a formal investigation into the actions of Belarusian authorities. This significant decision follows a preliminary examination by the ICC Prosecutor's Office.

Lithuania's Formal Request

According to the ICC, the Prosecutor's Office began its preliminary examination on September 30, 2024, based on a request submitted by Lithuania. Lithuania has accused Belarusian authorities of committing crimes against humanity, prompting the court's review.

While Belarus is not a member state of the ICC, the request highlighted that some of the alleged criminal acts may have occurred within the territory of Lithuania, a member state. This jurisdictional link is crucial for the ICC's investigation.

Allegations of State Policy

The Prosecutor's Office has indicated that the actions of the Belarusian authorities could be part of a state policy directed against perceived political opponents within the country. Furthermore, the office noted the presumption that these actions have received support or approval at the highest levels of the government.

Widespread and Systematic Attacks

The ICC's preliminary findings suggest that the alleged crimes could be considered part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population. This conclusion is based on the scale of the alleged actions, the number of victims, and their organized nature.

Investigative Mandate

The scope of the investigation includes cross-border crimes. Specifically, it will examine all crimes committed on Belarusian territory since May 1, 2020, provided at least one element of the crime occurred within Lithuania. The investigation will delve into alleged crimes against humanity, including forced deportations and persecution for political reasons, which investigators believe may have been orchestrated by the Belarusian authorities.

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