Prosecutor outlines procedures, conditions for return of political emigrants

January 25, BPN. Prosecutor General Andrej Švied has shared with Belarusian television details about the commission that would filter political emigrants wishing to return to their homeland.

He told Belarus 1 on January 24 that “at least three categories of our citizens” would be able to return: those who mistakenly believe that the state has complaints against them; those who committed misdemeanor; and those who committed minor crimes but have publicly repented.

Those willing to go home would have to apply to the commission and receive a written clearance. Law enforcers wouldn’t be able to prosecute the entrants, except with the sanction of the prosecutor general himself. Naturally, it only applies to wrongdoings committed before the commission’s resolution, Švied said.

The decision to establish the body was taken at a meeting with Alaksandr Łukašenka on January 24. Švied called it a “step of humanism, mercy and helping those who have lost their way and fallen into the networks of propaganda and lies.”

Opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja commented by saying: “I ask all Belarusians to remember that the regime cannot keep any promises and cannot give any guarantees. Don’t believe those who arrested 52 Belarusians who returned home in 2022 alone. Take care of your safety and that of your loved ones. Don’t be fooled.”