"For us, it is important to cooperate with Germany on bringing Lukashenko and his accomplices to justice for crimes against humanity. The role of Germany in using international justice mechanisms cannot be overestimated. Germany has always stood for the protection of human rights, and we count on the continuation of this clear position in relation to defending human rights in Belarus and ensuring accountability for their violation", — said Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, during a meeting between the leader of the United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and German Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann.
Pavel Latushka presented NAM's efforts to hold Lukashenko and his accomplices accountable for three types of crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people:
Deportation of Belarusians;
Extraterritorial persecution of Belarusians;
Other inhumane acts of similar gravity committed extraterritorially.
Pavel Latushka provided information on the evidence gathered and the possible legal approach to achieving accountability within the framework of the International Criminal Court.
The head of NAM emphasized that the majority of Belarusian society expects foreign partners to use tools within international institutions so that accountability for crimes committed by regime representatives is finally achieved. During the meeting, the Minister of Justice proposed continuing active cooperation on this issue with the Foundation for International Legal Cooperation, which works closely with the German Ministry of Justice.
During the meeting, the Minister of Justice proposed continuing active cooperation on this issue with the Foundation for International Legal Cooperation, which works closely with the German Ministry of Justice.
The Minister also stressed that Germany is prepared to focus on investigating crimes against humanity under universal jurisdiction, particularly if victims of the regime are present on German territory.
Marco Buschmann further stated that Germany would review the appeal submitted by the Lithuanian government to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court regarding cross-border crimes against humanity against Belarusians and would make an appropriate decision.
During the meeting, it was noted that international accountability for crimes is one of the key priorities of the current German government’s policy.
After the meeting with Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann, separate working consultations were held, during which mechanisms, further steps, and the prospects for investigating crimes and initiating criminal proceedings against Lukashenko were clearly presented. An agreement was reached to intensify contacts on a working level.
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