Lithuania has referred hard-line Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, government members, and security and military officials to the International Criminal Court, accusing them of committing crimes against humanity by forcing their own people to flee the country.

Lithuania said on Monday it will ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Belarus over "forcible deportation, persecution and other cruel behaviour" against its own citizens. The action was announced by Lithuania's justice ministry and drew immediate support from exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Lithuania has formally requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate crimes against humanity committed by the regime of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.