German Red Cross Worker Sentenced to Death in Belarus

In Belarus, Rico Krieger, a German citizen affiliated with the German Red Cross, has been sentenced to death, according to local human rights advocates and media reports. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday, July 19, that they are aware of the situation and are providing consular assistance to Krieger. They emphasized Germany’s staunch opposition to the death penalty under any circumstances and stated their ongoing efforts worldwide to advocate for its abolition and against its execution for any individual.

Earlier on the same day, a Belarusian Telegram channel reported that Krieger had been sentenced to death at the end of June. Allegations against him include charges related to illegal actions involving firearms, sabotage of transportation routes, participation in extremist groups, espionage, mercenary activities, and acts of terrorism. It remains unclear whether the verdict has come into legal force or if it has been appealed or protested, as reported by local media.

According to the Belarusian human rights organization Krieger’s case is linked to the Kalinovsky regiment, a Belarusian volunteer formation reportedly fighting on Ukraine’s side in the war against Russia.

Rico Krieger’s LinkedIn profile indicates that he worked as an emergency technician with the German Red Cross since 2021. Previously, from 2014 to 2017, he was employed in the security service of the US Embassy in Berlin, and from 2017 to 2021, he worked as a nursing assistant in a nursing home in Oranienburg. Belarusian media outlet also mentioned that Krieger has an underage child in Germany.