Prosecutor General Dzmitry Hora said that Belarusians willing to face punishment at home are turning to the so-called return commission.
“The commission is still operating. A significant number of applications have already been considered. There are currently several applications under review, which we are checking. Many applications say: it is impossible to live abroad, they are ready to return, ask for forgiveness and comply with the law. Many people want to return. This includes people who know that criminal proceedings have been opened against them. Nevertheless, they return and are ready to face punishment,” he said today in the National Assembly.
The Commission for Considering Applications from Belarusian Citizens Abroad Concerning Offenses They Have Committed generally provides, in response to a request, information on whether criminal or other proceedings have been opened against the applicant. At the same time, applicants are required to describe the acts they have committed in their applications.
“The commission has repeatedly decided to lift this measure if a person voluntarily returns to Belarus and contacts law enforcement agencies. If we give our word, we keep it. I should say that punishment in such cases, when a person has genuinely repented, is generally not associated with imprisonment,” Hora added.