AMSTERDAM, March 12 (Reuters) - Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court on Thursday said they had opened an investigation into acts of deportation allegedly committed by Belarus. Belarus is
ICC opens probe into alleged crimes against humanity by Belarus
International Criminal Court Investigation Overview
AMSTERDAM, March 12 (Reuters) - Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court said on Thursday they had opened an investigation into whether the government of Belarus committed crimes that led to deportations of its opponents.
Jurisdiction and Case Initiation
Belarus is not a member of the ICC, but the case was brought by Lithuania, which is a member.
Jurisdiction Basis
Prosecutors determined that at least part of the alleged crimes by Belarusian authorities were committed on Lithuania's territory, giving them jurisdiction.
Belarusian Government Response
The Belarusian embassy in the Netherlands did not reply to a request for comment.
Nature of Alleged Crimes
The prosecutors said there was reason to believe the actions of Belarus were targeted against "actual or perceived opponents" of the Belarusian government.
Scale and Systematic Nature
"There is also a reasonable basis to believe that these crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, considering their large scale, the number of victims, and the organised nature of the acts", they added.
Reactions to ICC Probe
Opposition Response
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said she welcomed the announcement.
Statement from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
"Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have suffered, and continue to suffer, because of the regime’s actions. Lukashenka’s policies also create threats for Belarus' neighbors," she said in a statement. "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."
(Reporting by Bart Meijer and Makini Brice; Editing by Mark Porter)
