Twelve human rights organizations have called on states to support an appeal requesting an investigation into the crimes of the Lukashenko regime
Twelve major human rights organizations have issued an open letter in support of Lithuania’s referral to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court regarding crimes against humanity committed by the top leadership of Lukashenka's regime, reports the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT). They are calling on ICC State Parties to join Lithuania’s referral to the ICC requesting an investigation into these crimes.
- Illustrative photo
Human rights defenders note that, under their mandates, they will submit evidence and information gathered in support of a preliminary investigation to the ICC Prosecutor’s Office and to ICC member states, reaffirming their readiness to provide support for such investigations.
The human rights defenders urge ICC member states to consider all available measures to ensure accountability for the crimes committed by Lukashenka and his accomplices, which include arbitrary detentions, politically motivated persecutions, unfair trials, unlawful killings, sexual violence, torture, forced labor, and enforced disappearances.
They call on states to carry out national investigations and prosecutions under the principles of universal jurisdiction to hold all those responsible for crimes committed by Lukashenka and his accomplices accountable.
Evidence of the crimes of the Lukashenka regime submitted to the International Court of Justice in The Hague
The open letter has been endorsed by the following organisations:
1) DIGNITY – Danish Institute Against Torture
2) European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR)
3) International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
4) Human Constanta
5) International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB)
6) International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)
7) International Committee for the Investigation of Torture in Belarus
8) International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR)
9) International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)
10) Norwegian Helsinki Committee
11) World Organization Against Torture (OMCT)
12) REDRESS
13) The Human Rights Center Viasna
Read the full version of the Open Letter here.
