"On the eve of the parody elections, RSF files a complaint with the ICC regarding the crimes of Lukashenko against humanity, with journalists being among the victims. After five years of unprecedented repression, Alexander Lukashenko is announcing his candidacy for a seventh presidential term on Sunday, January 26," the statement reads.
"Reporters Without Borders" notes that the persecution of journalists in Belarus is widespread.
"It is expected that the electoral farce, without any media checks, will proceed smoothly and will ultimately declare the dictator Lukashenko victorious over four puppet candidates. The Belarusian regime has systematically targeted all independent voices, starting with journalists, over the past five years. Due to the glaring impunity it enjoys, RSF is filing a complaint regarding crimes against humanity in connection with the persecution of journalists. We urge ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable," said RSF's head of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Jeanne Cavelier.
The organization emphasized that ahead of the presidential elections, state media in Belarus are attempting to "instill in people that journalists and independent media are extremists."
"Reporters Without Borders" provided the latest statistics on the persecution of journalists in Belarus: 589 cases of arbitrary arrests, at least 43 media employees still in custody, and between 500 to 600 journalists have been forced to leave the country.
"Belarus ranks 167th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index by RSF for 2024," the release states.