AMSTERDAM – The International Criminal Court announced Thursday that it has launched a formal investigation into alleged deportation crimes committed by Belarusian officials.
The investigation focuses on accusations that Belarus engaged in acts of deportation that constitute crimes against humanity. While Belarus is not a member state of the international court, Lithuania – which holds membership – initiated the legal proceedings.
Court prosecutors determined they have the authority to pursue the case because evidence indicates that portions of the alleged criminal activities by Belarus took place within Lithuania’s borders, establishing the necessary jurisdictional requirements for the investigation to proceed.
