The International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into crimes against humanity in Belarus
On 12 March, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided to open a formal investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Belarus in connection with actions taken by the regime of A. Lukashenko against Belarusian civil society and political opponents.
The investigation was initiated following the referral submitted by Lithuania on 30 September 2024. After nearly one and a half years of assessing the information and evidence provided by the Ministry of Justice, the International Criminal Court determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity may have been committed, including the forced deportation of individuals and persecution on political or civic grounds, as well as other cruel acts contrary to fundamental norms of international law.
The Ministry of Justice notes that Lithuania referred the situation to the International Criminal Court in accordance with the rules-based international legal order. It should be emphasized that the forced deportation of individuals is directly related to Lithuania’s national security interests and also obliges Lithuania, as a State Party to the Rome Statute, to respond to potential violations.
“The decision of the International Criminal Court to open an investigation confirms that international law functions and that victims have the right to justice, which must be ensured,” said Minister of Justice Rita Tamašunienė.
After the 2020 elections in Belarus, more than 60,000 Belarusians resided in Lithuania, many of whom received humanitarian visas or were granted asylum.
Last updated: 13-03-2026