"Those who are abroad and want to return to their homeland, but are afraid of something, will have the opportunity to apply (information will be published in all mass media) to the commission and receive appropriate explanations - about the possibility of returning, about the presence or absence of any claims from state bodies to this specific person," said Prosecutor General Andrei Shved.

In recent months, the persecution of people returning to Belarus from abroad has intensified.

Security forces detained Belarusians both immediately after crossing the state border and a few days after their arrival to their homeland.

Head of the State Border Service of Belarus, Anatol Lapo, said the day before that over 50 people were detained for "extremism" when entering Belarus last year.

Alexander Lukashenko said on January 24 about the possibility of returning those who were forced to flee from persecution abroad: "It is necessary to determine exactly who has really revised his views and wants to live, study and work peacefully.

And who is not.

We must remember: it is possible that some of them may use this to harm the interests of the state.

Therefore, our task is an exclusively individual approach to everyone and justice in making decisions."

• These days, a closed court trial is taking place in Gomla against the administrator of the protest chats "97%" Tatsiana Kurylina.

  The 49-year-old activist returned to Belarus under the "Road Home" program and was detained after returning from abroad, she is charged under 12 articles of the Criminal Code.

  Security forces initiated the "Road Home" program, which, according to them, "allows those who left to return without consequences."

• In January, a member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, Oleg Dyachenko, said that Belarusians who disagreed with the authorities and went abroad can return to Belarus if they "repent."

  "But these people, in my opinion, should create a worthy fruit of repentance.

  While abroad, they should take steps towards our country, he said.

  The official called "participation in various events abroad in support of our state" one of these steps.