Official announcements from Belarusian or German government, or credible news outlets

Belarusian President Pardons German Rico Krieger Sentenced to Death for Terrorism

Jul 30, 2024, 01:22 PM

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned German citizen Rico Krieger, who was sentenced to death last month on June 24 on terrorism charges. Krieger, who admitted to working with Ukrainian intelligence and engaging in mercenary activity, had appeared on Belarusian state television asking for mercy. He was initially sentenced to death by firing squad. His pardon comes amid speculation of a potential prisoner swap, following the transfer of six Russian prisoners to unknown locations. This marks only the third time in 33 years that Lukashenko has commuted a death sentence to life imprisonment.