Lukashenko pardons German citizen sentenced to death
Photo: Self-proclaimed leader of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko (Getty Images)
The self-proclaimed leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, decided today, July 30, to pardon German citizen Rico Krieger. The German national had been sentenced to death in Belarus, according to the Belarusian state agency BELTA and Sputnik Belarus.
Lukashenko's press service reported that the self-proclaimed leader of Belarus decided to pardon the German citizen.
"The head of state, taking into account all circumstances, has decided to grant clemency," the press service of Lukashenko stated.
After the death sentence for Krieger became legally binding, the German citizen submitted a clemency petition to the Belarusian president.
Krieger was sentenced to death
A few days ago, Krieger was accused of "illegal actions with firearms," "disabling public transport or communication routes," "creating or participating in an extremist formation," "espionage," "mercenarism," and "a terrorist act."
In particular, under the article on committing a terrorist act, he was tried for carrying out an explosion "with terrorist intent," "with the aim of influencing decisions by government authorities, intimidating the population, and destabilizing public order."
Krieger was sentenced to death on these charges.
It is worth noting that Belarus is currently the only country in Europe where the death penalty is still in effect. Individuals can be sentenced to death for terrorism or treason. The death penalty in Belarus is carried out by shooting.
It is also worth noting that a few days ago, Krieger appealed to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz through Belarusian state television, urging the head of the government to intervene in his case.
