German National Pleads for Pardon from Belarusian President After Death Sentence

A German national, Rico Krieger, sentenced to death in Belarus on terrorism charges, expressed deep regret and hope for a pardon from President Alexander Lukashenko. Krieger was instructed by Ukraine's SBU to photograph military sites and place an explosive backpack on train tracks near Minsk. While no one was hurt, he faces a dire fate with no support from the German government.

A German national sentenced to death on terrorism charges by a court in Belarus expressed regret for his actions and hoped for a pardon from President Alexander Lukashenko, as reported by various media outlets on Wednesday. 'I truly hope that President Lukashenko will forgive and pardon me,' Krieger said on state TV.

Rico Krieger revealed that Ukraine's SBU security service had directed him to photograph military sites in Belarus in October 2023. He placed a backpack, given by the SBU, on train tracks where it later exploded without causing any casualties. Krieger expressed relief that no one was hurt and shared his sorrow about his potential execution.

Germany has yet to respond officially. The Belarusian rights organization Viasna made Krieger's death sentence public, noting it was handed down on June 24. Belarus, closely aligned with Russia, has seen activists target rail lines to hinder Russia's activities. The situation remains tense with diplomatic discussions ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)