October 4, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja met with Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar yesterday to discuss Lithuania’s referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Vilnius is pressing for an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed by Alaksandar Łukašenka and his officials.
Crimes include “deportation, persecution and other inhumane acts carried out against about 7 percent of Belarusian nationals, at the behest of senior Belarusian political, law enforcement and military leaders,” the Polish justice ministry noted.
The Lithuanian government’s referral notes a widespread campaign against Belarusians, targeting real and perceived political opponents of the current political regime, the ministry said. These actions reflect Minsk’s current policies aimed at eliminating the opposition and dissent, it added.
The Polish foreign ministry said yesterday that Warsaw supported Lithuania’s appeal submitted earlier this week.
The ICC announced a preliminary examination to determine if there is a reason to proceed with the opening of an investigation into Belarusian officials’ possible complicity in crimes against humanity.
Belarusian pro-democracy forces urged other signatories of the ICC Rome Statute to support Lithuania’s effort to bring Łukašenka to justice.
