ICC Opens Investigation into Belarus for Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched an investigation into whether the Belarusian government committed crimes that led to the deportation of its opponents. The case was initiated by Lithuania, an ICC member, as Belarus itself is not a member of the court.

March 13, 2026 Gaye Sude Kayışlı

Gaye Sude Kayışlı

Editor

The ICC’s investigation focuses on whether Belarusian authorities carried out widespread and systematic attacks on civilians targeting actual or perceived opponents of the government. Prosecutors cited the scale, organization, and number of victims as reasons for the probe.

Although Belarus is not a member of the ICC, the court has jurisdiction because some alleged crimes occurred in Lithuania, which is an ICC member state. This cross-border aspect allows the court to examine Belarusian government actions despite its non-membership.

The Belarusian embassy in the Netherlands did not respond to requests for comment, and authorities in Belarus have not yet publicly addressed the ICC investigation.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya praised the ICC decision, saying it restores hope that justice will prevail. She emphasized that hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have suffered due to the policies of President Alexander Lukashenka and that the ruling could ensure accountability for those responsible.

Tsikhanouskaya added that the regime’s actions not only harm Belarusian citizens but also pose risks to neighboring countries, underscoring the broader regional implications of Belarusian state policies.