Lithuania has formally requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to investigate alleged crimes against humanity committed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and his regime.

The referral specifically accuses Lukashenko's government of forcing its citizens to flee the country, particularly in the aftermath of the disputed 2020 presidential elections.

This request for investigation covers events since May 2020, when Lukashenko was re-elected in an election widely regarded as unfair, against opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Over the past four years, more than 65,000 people have been arrested during protests, with many suffering severe beatings and other forms of violence.

The campaign against dissent includes severe violations of fundamental rights, arbitrary detentions, torture, and forced disappearances.

Lithuanian officials assert that the goal of Lukashenko's regime is to eliminate critics and consolidate authoritarian power.

Lithuania claims there are 'reasonable grounds' to believe that the regime has engaged in deportation, persecution, and other inhumane acts against civilians.

The Lithuanian government states that hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have been forcibly displaced to neighboring countries, including Lithuania, due to the regime's actions.

As a result of the regime's crackdown, many opposition leaders have been exiled or imprisoned.

Lithuanian Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska emphasized that the aim of the request is to issue international arrest warrants for Lukashenko and other government officials.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has expressed support for Lithuania's request, highlighting the need for justice for those who value democratic peace.

The Lithuanian Embassy in The Hague has scheduled a press conference to further explain the details of the request to the ICC.