The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on March 12 that it has opened an investigation into potential crimes against humanity committed by Belarus. Despite Belarus not being a member of the ICC, this investigation was prompted by Lithuania, which is a member-state. Lithuania referred the situation to the ICC, asserting that parts of the alleged crimes occurred within its territory, thus providing a legal basis for the court's jurisdiction.

In its formal referral, Lithuania accused senior members of the Belarusian political and military leadership of committing serious violations against their civilian population, including actions amounting to deportation and persecution. The ICC's Prosecutor's Office indicated that it found a reasonable basis to believe that these crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the Rome Statute, which governs the ICC. This investigation aims to address the serious nature of the accusations and hold accountable those responsible for the alleged human rights violations.

This development holds significant implications not only for Belarus but also for regional security and international law enforcement. It underscores the challenges faced by the ICC in investigating crimes in non-member states and highlights the role of international collaboration—for instance, Lithuania's proactive stance in seeking accountability. The outcome of the ICC's investigation could lead to increased geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly as Belarus is closely allied with Russia, which may respond to these allegations with strong rhetoric and actions.