Karbalevich: Paznyak and Sannikau could come back too

Political scientist Karbalevich has explained which politicians could come back to Belarus and whether there will be liberalization after the election.

Political emigrants Andrei Sannikau, Zmitser Bandarenka and even Zyanon Paznyak could return to Belarus now, political scientist Valery Karbalevich told Euroradio. He commented on Ales Mihalevich’s return home.

Karbalevich: "I do not know why Andrei Sannikau and Zmitser Bandarenka would not come back. As far as I understand, no criminal case has been started against Paznyak. At least officials say so. So it is their personal moral choice whether to return or not.”

The political scientist does not expect any political liberalization during this presidential election. The release of political prisoners is a once-only step and there is not going to be any continuation, Karbalevich thinks.

All political prisoners including Mikalai Statkevich were released by the authorities at the end of August. Politician Ales Mihalevich was detained at the Belarusian border on his return home but was released on recognizance later. However, the politician did not sign the recognizance not to leave.