MINSK, October 21. /TASS/. The Belarusian Investigative Committee initiated a special in-absentia proceeding against members of the so-called Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition, who are currently abroad together with their leader, former presidential candidate, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the Committee said on its Telegram Channel Friday.

"The Investigative Committee commenced a special proceeding against the so-called Coordination Council. The corresponding decision was made by the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus," the Committee noted.

In addition to Tikhanovskaya, in-absentia proceedings were launched against Council members Pavel Latushko, Olga Kovalkova, Sergey Dylevsky and Maria Moroz. According to the charges, they were plotting to seize buildings, participate in mass riots and engage in a conspiracy aimed at grabbing nationwide power in an unconstitutional way, by using ​​of extremist groups. They are also charged with inciting social enmity and hate, treason and a number of other criminal offenses.

Previously, Belarusian law enforcement contacted foreign agencies requesting the expatriation of these suspects, but these requests were denied.