Summary
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating Belarus for the alleged forced deportation of government opponents to Lithuania. The investigation focuses on supposed crimes committed partly in Lithuania as part of a broad attack on civilians. Lithuania initiated the case because, unlike Belarus, it is an ICC member.
Key Facts
- The ICC is examining Belarus for allegedly deporting political opponents.
- The investigation includes claims of deportation and persecution mainly involving Lithuania.
- Belarus is not an ICC member, but Lithuania is and started the case.
- Many Belarusians fled to Lithuania after 2020 protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.
- Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya supports the ICC's actions.
- Lithuania asked the ICC to investigate in September 2024, citing crimes on its soil.
- Belarus has reportedly deported political figures, including Nobel Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, to Lithuania.
