German National Sentenced to Death in Belarus

Germany's foreign ministry confirmed that a German national, Rico Krieger, has been sentenced to death in Belarus on charges of terrorism and mercenary activity. Berlin is in intensive contact with Minsk authorities to provide consular support. Krieger has been in custody since November 2023 and was convicted on June 24.

Germany's foreign ministry announced on Friday that a German citizen, Rico Krieger, has been sentenced to death in Belarus. The ministry said Berlin is actively working with Belarusian authorities for his support and cited intensive consular efforts being made on his behalf.

Human rights organization Viasna mentioned that Krieger, accused of terrorism and mercenary activities, has been in custody since November 2023 and was convicted on June 24, citing unnamed sources. However, Reuters could not independently verify these legal proceedings.

Belarus' justice ministry has not reported details of the case and did not respond to requests for comment. The country, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, is closely allied with Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine and remains under significant Western sanctions.