MINSK. Feb 6 (Interfax) - The participants in Belarusian protests who fled the country may apply to a repatriation commission by the end of 2023 and avail themselves of its resolution within three months, under a decree signed by President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday.
"The commission accepts applications from Belarusian citizens wishing to return to their home country, who, having committed administrative offenses or protest crimes between January 1, 2020 and the effective date of this decree, fear to return to the country because of their possible involvement in such offenses and crimes. Citizens may send applications before December 31, 2023, in writing or electronically, with supporting documentation," the Pul Pervogo Telegram channel, close to Lukashenko's press service, said.
An applicant "must repent of their deed and inform the commission of their readiness, upon returning, to publicly apologize, reimburse inflicted damage, abide by the Constitution and the laws of Belarus, respect its state symbols and national traditions, and conscientiously and actively fulfill their civic duty," it said.
Applicants will be informed of the decision on their applications, whether they are a subject of administrative or criminal proceedings, and a possibility of these being terminated. The decisions will be made by a majority of votes cast openly and protocolized.
"After that, the applicant will be required to arrive in the country within three months from the date of the commission's notification. Failing that, the commission's resolution shall become invalid," the statement said.
The decree guarantees that any procedural decisions on those who arrived will require consent from the Prosecutor General or an official acting for him.
The decree is entitled "On the consideration of applications from Belarusian citizens who are abroad in the matter of their commission of a law-violation."