(MENAFN) A German citizen, 29-year-old Rico Krieger, has been sentenced to death in Belarus following a court ruling in Minsk. According to diplomats in Berlin, Krieger was found guilty of terrorism-related offenses and was reportedly involved in combat activities alongside Ukrainian forces against Russian troops. The German state broadcaster ARD has reported that Berlin's Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Minsk are actively providing consular support and engaging with Belarusian authorities on his behalf. Germany has condemned the death penalty as "cruel and inhumane" and opposes its use under any circumstances.

Earlier on the same day, Belarusian opposition group Viasna revealed that Krieger’s sentencing took place on June 24. The court convicted him on multiple charges, including "mercenary activity," "agent activity," "acts of terrorism," "formation of an extremist group," "intentional damage to vehicles or communication infrastructure," and "illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives."

Viasna's report also indicated that Krieger, born in Berlin, had worked as a special security officer and rescue medic with the German Red Cross. Belarusian authorities accused him of orchestrating an explosion intended to influence government decisions, intimidate the public, and disrupt public order, though the specific incident in question was not detailed. Additionally, human rights activists cited by Viasna suggested that Krieger might have been associated with the Kastus Kalinouski unit of the Ukrainian military, which is largely composed of Belarusian nationals.

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