A Belarusian human rights group reported on Friday that a German citizen has been sentenced to death in Belarus for terrorism and other charges related to an explosion aimed at undermining public order. Belarus remains the only country in Europe that still carries out executions, drawing widespread criticism for its practices.
According to reports, prisoners facing the death penalty in Belarus are notified that their appeals have been rejected, then forced to kneel before being shot in the back of the head shortly after.
The German Foreign Ministry confirmed its awareness of the case and stated that it, along with the German Embassy in Minsk, is offering consular support to the individual involved and advocating on his behalf with Belarusian authorities. However, specific details such as the individual's name were not disclosed.
The human rights group Viasna, founded by a Nobel Peace Prize laureate currently imprisoned, identified the sentenced individual as a German Red Cross medical worker named Rico Krieger. He was reportedly convicted in a closed trial in late June on charges including mercenary activity, terrorism, and forming an extremist group.
According to Viasna, the verdict accused Krieger of orchestrating an explosion with the intent to influence decision-making by authorities, intimidate the population, and destabilize public order. However, the exact time and location of the alleged explosion remain unknown.
In response to the situation, the German ministry emphasized that the death penalty is a form of punishment that Germany unequivocally rejects under all circumstances.
