The Lithuanian justice ministry said earlier in the day it was asking the ICC "to open an investigation... into the crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenko's regime - forced deportation, persecution of persons and other cruel behaviour which is contrary to the main norms of international law".

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.

Belarus's opposition in exile has welcomed Lithuania's plan to ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged crimes against humanity by Aleksandr Lukashenka's regime, saying the process could bring international accountability and hope to Lukashenka's victims.