German Citizen Sentenced to Death in Belarus

A German citizen, Rico Krieger, has been sentenced to death in Belarus on charges including terrorism, mercenary activity, and creating an extremist group, as reported by the Belarusian human rights group Viasna. Krieger, a former German Red Cross medic and US embassy security officer, was convicted under six articles of Belarus's criminal code in a trial that was partially held behind closed doors. The charges may be linked to his alleged involvement with the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment, a Belarusian volunteer group fighting Russian forces in Ukraine. The German Foreign Office has condemned the death penalty and is providing consular support, while Belarus claims to be cooperating with Germany regarding the situation. Belarus remains the last European country to actively use the death penalty, often for serious crimes including terrorism and treason. The case highlights ongoing tensions and authoritarian measures under President Alexander Lukashenko's regime.