Belarus Amnesty: Low Return Rate Exposes Deep Mistrust

Amidst political turmoil in Belarus, a recent amnesty program aimed at allowing exiled citizens to return home has yielded disappointing results. Of 240 applications, only 19 individuals have actually returned. A journalist from Belsat TV, a Polish-language news outlet, attributes this low number to a deep-seated lack of trust in the Belarusian government. "Even with permission, many are afraid and don't believe," the journalist explains, highlighting the fear and uncertainty that continue to plague the Belarusian population. The program, intended to foster reconciliation, has instead exposed the significant challenges in rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens. This low return rate raises concerns about the program's effectiveness and underscores the ongoing political tensions in the country.