ICC prosecutor opens probe into Belarus over deportations to Lithuania

"The ICC prosecutor's office said on Thursday that it had found a reasonable basis to believe crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court have been committed. The alleged crimes that are being investigated include deportation and persecution through deportation and were committed at least in part on the territory of Lithuania."

"There is a reasonable basis to believe that these crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, the prosecutor added. While Belarus is not a member of the ICC, Lithuania is and brought the case to the court."

"Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the ICC prosecutor's announcement. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have suffered, and continue to suffer, because of the regime's actions. This decision restores hope. That justice will prevail, that those responsible will be held accountable, and that the victims will finally receive truth and justice."

The International Criminal Court prosecutor's office has initiated an investigation into Belarus for suspected forced deportation and persecution of government opponents. The investigation found reasonable basis to believe crimes within the Court's jurisdiction were committed, including deportation and persecution through deportation occurring partly on Lithuanian territory. These alleged crimes are believed to constitute part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population. Although Belarus is not an ICC member, Lithuania brought the case to the court. Lithuania has become a refuge for tens of thousands of Belarusians who fled after authorities violently suppressed 2020 protests against President Lukashenko. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the investigation announcement, stating it restores hope that those responsible will be held accountable and victims will receive justice.

Read at www.aljazeera.com