"Welcome to the Motherland." At least 66 people convicted in political criminal cases after returning from abroad

At least 66 people have been convicted in political criminal cases after returning from abroad. Of these people, at least 36 are currently behind bars.

Yaraslau Sakovich, who returned to Belarus in 2021 because his parents were ill, received the longest sentence: 11 years in a penal colony

It is known that some of those detained are being subjected to forced treatment in a psychiatric hospital. This was the case for Neli Alfiorava, who was convicted for "insulting a representative of the authorities."

A list of all individuals who have become involved in political criminal cases after returning from abroad is available via the link.

In total, there may be more such cases, as human rights defenders are not aware of all instances of detentions and political persecution.