ICC opens probe into alleged crimes against humanity by Belarus

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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.

Belarus is not a member of ​the ICC, but the case was brought by Lithuania, ​which is a member.

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Prosecutors determined that at least ⁠part of the alleged crimes by Belarusian authorities were ​committed on Lithuania’s territory, giving them jurisdiction.

The Belarusian embassy ​in the Netherlands did not reply to a request for comment.

The prosecutors said there was reason to believe the actions of ​Belarus were targeted against “actual or perceived opponents” of the ​Belarusian government.

“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.

Belarusian opposition ⁠leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said she welcomed the announcement.

“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

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