Belarus to introduce new process to facilitate return of dissidents who fled country for fear of repressions

The Belarusian government has introduced a procedure to allow Belarusian citizens who fled abroad for fear of repressions after taking part in resistance against Alexander Lukashenko’s regime to return to the country.

Source: Zerkalo.io, a Belarusian news website

Details: Zerkalo.io reported that Lukashenko has signed a decree titled On Appeals from Belarusian Citizens Abroad Regarding Offences They Committed.

The decree stipulates that a commission to review and assess such appeals be established, with Belarus’s Prosecutor General at its head. The commission will also comprise ministers, members of the parliament, and representatives of civil organisations.

Appeals can be submitted by Belarusians who are currently abroad, who have committed acts that are considered administrative offences or "protest-related crimes" in Belarus after 1 January 2020 and before the decree came into effect, and who would like to return to Belarus but fear being arrested.

Such citizens can submit an appeal, alongside a number of specified documents, before 23 December 2023. According to the decree, they are required to "repent of what they have committed, inform the commission that they are prepared to  make a public apology upon return, compensate for the damage caused, comply with the Belarusian Constitution and laws, respect state symbols and national traditions, and consciously and actively fulfil civic duty."

After their appeal is reviewed, each person will be notified whether proceedings against them are currently underway and whether they can be suspended.

Each person will then have a maximum of three months after the commission’s decision to return to Belarus. The decree stipulates that only "the Prosecutor General or a person performing the duties thereof" can make legal decisions regarding such persons seeking return.

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