German National Sentenced to Death in Belarus Amid Rising Tensions

Germany's foreign ministry announced that a German national, identified as Rico Krieger by Belarusian human rights group Viasna, has been sentenced to death in Belarus for terrorism-related charges. The German government is in intensive talks with Belarusian authorities, offering consular support to Krieger.

Germany's foreign ministry disclosed on Friday that a German national has been sentenced to death in Belarus, prompting Berlin to engage intensively with Minsk over the individual's fate. Belarus remains the last European nation to enforce the death penalty.

Although the German ministry did not disclose the individual's name, Belarusian human rights group Viasna identified him as Rico Krieger, who has been in custody since November 2023 on charges of terrorism and mercenary activities. His conviction occurred on June 24.

The German foreign ministry has assured that they are providing consular support and actively engaging with Belarusian authorities. Belarus' justice ministry has not yet commented on the case. Governed by President Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus has aligned with Russia in the conflict against Ukraine and faces extensive Western sanctions. Viasna linked Krieger's charges to the Kalinouski Regiment, a group of anti-government Belarusian exiles fighting for Ukraine. A LinkedIn profile appearing to belong to Krieger shows him in front of a Ukrainian flag, though Reuters could not confirm the legal details.

Viasna's announcement coincided with the sentencing of U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in a Russian prison on espionage charges, fueling speculation about possible links between the two cases.

(Additional reporting by Reuters; writing by Felix Light; editing by Philippa Fletcher)

(With inputs from agencies.)