Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over German National's Death Sentence in Belarus

Diplomats from Germany and Belarus are engaged in high-level talks concerning a German national, Rico Krieger, who has been sentenced to death in Belarus for terrorism and mercenary activities. The Belarusian foreign ministry has suggested potential solutions. Germany remains in close contact with Minsk to resolve the issue.

Diplomats from Germany and Belarus have intensified discussions regarding the fate of Rico Krieger, a German national sentenced to death in Belarus on charges of terrorism and mercenary activity, according to news agency reports on Saturday.

The Belarusian human rights organization Viasna reported that Krieger was sentenced on June 24 after being in custody since November 2023. The German foreign ministry confirmed it is in intensive contact with Belarusian authorities but did not disclose Krieger's identity.

Amid the escalating situation, Belarus proposed specific solutions in response to Germany's requests and granted consular access to Krieger. Germany's foreign ministry, while providing consular support via its embassy in Minsk, declined further comment.