Activists claim German Red Cross medic sentenced to death in Belarus

Belarus, the last country in Europe to apply the death penalty, sentenced German national Rico Krieger to death last month on charges of terrorism, creating an extremist group, and other crimes. Krieger’s fate remains unknown, as details about his case are scarce. President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime has been cracking down on dissent since the 2020 protests against his re-election. Many opposition figures have been sentenced to long prison terms, and independent NGOs and media outlets have been labeled as extremists. Krieger’s case is believed to be part of this escalation in persecution. Recent court cases include charges against individuals for allegedly wiring funds to political prisoners and journalists being charged with facilitating extremist activities. The international community has condemned Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule and violent suppression of democracy. Belarus has faced sanctions from the EU and US for their support of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The fate of those persecuted under Lukashenko’s regime continues to be a concern for human rights activists. Belarus remains the last European nation to carry out executions by firing squad, a practice that has been widely criticized by the international community.

Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com