Lukashenko suggests that self-exiled opposition return and repent

Many members of the self-exiled opposition are unhappy with their today's life, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he was delivering the annual Address to Belarusian People and the National Assembly on 28 January, BelTA has learned.

“Many are disappointed with the life they are living now, even people at the very top of the opposition. They have no money; financing is conditioned upon taking radical action: to kill someone in Belarus and show a photo proof, excuse me for putting it straight. They should have understood this. Whatever you think of Zenon Pozniak, he warned them about it. Everything starts with small things and ends with this,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state stressed that the reaction to such crimes would be extremely tough.

“What shall I do? Their relatives are lamenting as they have property here. We have come close to resolving these issues. What else did you expect? Did you want me to turn a blind eye to the killing and burning of people here? We have sent them a signal and they started thinking what to do,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

“My advice to you: return to your home country, get on your knees and ask for forgiveness! Things are going to get worse in the future. Therefore, go home and beg for forgiveness!" the head of state said addressing these people.

"If you can't do it yourself (because you want to save face or for other reasons), ask Lithuanians and Poles for help. They have relevant experience. They will take you to the border as they did with migrants and we will take you home," the president said with irony.

He noted that these people will have to pay penalties for the damage they caused. "At least partially. You will never have enough, either in terms of property or the money you will earn during your lifetime, to pay for what you have done," the head of state said.

Those who committed offenses will have to do time. "We will set up a public commission and will be guided by the decisions of this commission. It will include representatives of civil society, members of parliament - deputies and senators. We are ready to solve this problem. Or you can continue to beg the collective West to take action against Lukashenko! You have been doing it for the past two years. What is the result?" the president asked rhetorically.