Lithuania files case against Belarus at ICJ over alleged people smuggling

Lithuania has filed legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Belarus of orchestrating a migrant crisis through state-supported smuggling operations and human rights violations. The case, submitted on evidence including forced border entries and state flights, follows a surge in migration since 2021 when thousands arrived via Belarus from the Middle East and Africa. Despite previous deportations, including Iraqis sent to Baghdad, Belarus faced accusations of inflating the refugee crisis, which the EU later deemed manipulation for political gain.