Lithuanian PM on alleged migrant death: Belarus responsible for that

VILNIUS – Belarus' authorities are responsible for what is happening in their country, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said on Wednesday, commenting on the Minsk regime's statements about the death of an Iraqi man near the border with Lithuania.

"I am not aware of any excesses having occurred in Lithuania or on the Lithuanian-Belarusian border," she told reporters. "The Belarusian authorities are responsible for what is happening in Belarus."

The prime minister added that similar allegations "have been used many times in propaganda wars"

"We know the story of the crucified boy in Ukraine and all other false news that has been used in such situations," Simonyte said. "I think this is something that can be expected, because we have heard lies before – about pregnant women beaten by someone with a telescopic stick and all other similar accusations against our officials." 

“I want to emphasize that Lithuanian officials, in fulfilling their duties, comply with their obligations and with the international obligations of us as a state, and the Belarusian authorities are responsible for who and where was found on the territory of Belarus," she added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Belarusian State Border Committee said that an Iraqi citizen had died near Benyakoni, close to the border with Lithuania.

Border guards tried to give first aid to the man but he died on site, according to Anton Bychkovsky, the committee's spokesman.

Lithuanian border guards said they had received no information from Belarus' officials about the incident.