Belarusian Leader Weighs Pardon for German Citizen on Death Row

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko is considering a pardon for Rico Krieger, a German citizen sentenced to death for terrorism. Krieger, accused of espionage and terrorism, has been imprisoned since October 2023. The case is seen against the backdrop of political repression in Belarus, raising international concerns.

Belarus' authoritarian leader, President Alexander Lukashenko, announced on Tuesday that he is considering a request for a pardon from Rico Krieger, a German citizen condemned to death on terrorism charges.

Lukashenko convened a meeting to discuss the appeal from Krieger, convicted and sentenced to capital punishment in June. According to Krieger's lawyer, Vladimir Gorbach, who was present at the meeting, Lukashenko will deliberate on the pardon request and reveal his decision at a later date.

Krieger has been detained since October 2023, accused by Belarusian state media of photographing military facilities and orchestrating an explosion at a railway station on orders from Ukrainian special services. Belarus, the sole European nation implementing capital punishment, executes convicts with a shot to the back of the head.

(With inputs from agencies.)