Belarus and Germany are engaging in “consultations” regarding the situation of a German man who was reportedly sentenced to death by a court in Minsk. Rico Krieger, aged 30, was convicted of various charges, including “terrorism” and “mercenary activity,” at the end of June. The exact details of the case remain shrouded in secrecy, with part of the trial being conducted behind closed doors and limited information available through Belarusian state media.
In response to a request from the German Foreign Ministry, Belarus has proposed potential solutions to address the situation. The two countries’ foreign ministries are currently engaged in discussions on this matter. Meanwhile, human rights group Viasna has shed some light on Krieger’s background. According to Viasna, Krieger worked as a medic for the German Red Cross and previously served as an armed security officer at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.
While the outcome of these consultations remains uncertain, the engagement between Belarus and Germany indicates a diplomatic effort to address the fate of Rico Krieger. The secretive nature of the trial and the limited information available raise questions about the transparency of the Belarusian justice system. As the discussions unfold, the international community will be watching closely for further developments and potential resolutions to this concerning case.