A German national has been sentenced to death in Belarus, according to the German foreign ministry. The individual, identified as Rico Krieger, was convicted under six articles of Belarus’s criminal code following a trial in June. Krieger, a combat medic, had been in custody since November, but the specific allegations against him were not disclosed.
The case may be linked to the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment, a group of Belarusian volunteer fighters involved in the war in Ukraine. This marks the first trial for mercenary activity in Belarus, as reported by the Viasna Human Rights Centre.
Krieger’s LinkedIn profile indicated that he worked as a medical worker for the German Red Cross and as an armed security officer for the US embassy in Berlin. The situation has raised concerns among Belarusian opposition leaders and human rights groups.
Belarus is the only European country actively using capital punishment, with executions reserved for serious crimes including murder, terrorism, and treason. The country is reported to have executed up to 400 people since gaining independence in 1991.
The authoritarian regime led by President Alexander Lukashenko has been criticized for detaining dissidents and activists. In a surprising move, Belarus recently announced visa-free travel for nationals of 35 European countries in an attempt to improve relations with the west.
It remains unclear whether Krieger has appealed against the death sentence, and the German foreign ministry is providing consular support while working with Belarusian authorities on his behalf.
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