Headlines
ICC opens probe into alleged crimes against humanity by belarus
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 12, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 12, 2026
Quick Summary
The ICC has launched a formal investigation into alleged crimes against humanity by Belarus—primarily deportation and persecution—after Lithuania referred the case, arguing jurisdiction due to crimes occurring partly on its territory.
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)
Key Takeaways
- •Lithuania’s September 30, 2024 referral invoked ICC jurisdiction over crimes by Belarusian authorities—Belarus is not an ICC member—citing deportations starting May 1, 2020, some of which occurred in Lithuania. (icc-cpi.int)
- •The ICC Office of the Prosecutor is conducting a preliminary examination following that referral to determine if there is reasonable basis for a full investigation. (wcrointlcrimlawupdates.wordpress.com)
- •This case marks a precedent: it is the first time a situation in a non‑ICC member state was referred by an ICC member, drawing on the Myanmar/Bangladesh jurisdictional precedent. (forbes.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about ICC opens probe into alleged crimes against humanity by Belarus
1Why did the ICC open an investigation into Belarus?
The ICC opened an investigation into alleged acts of deportation committed by Belarusian authorities, prompted by a case brought by Lithuania.
2How does the ICC have jurisdiction over Belarus?
Belarus is not an ICC member, but the court claims jurisdiction since the alleged crimes partly occurred on the territory of Lithuania, which is an ICC member.
3Who reported the ICC investigation?
The investigation was reported by Bart Meijer and Makini Brice.
4What type of crimes are being investigated?
The ICC is investigating alleged crimes against humanity, specifically the act of deportation.
5Which countries are directly involved in the case?
Belarus is the subject of the investigation, while Lithuania initiated the case as an ICC member state.
