Minks - Belarus is willing to speak in the case of the sentenced German
After the announcement of a death sentence against a German in Belarus (formerly White Russia), the Foreign Ministry in Minsk officially confirmed the case. The German citizen was sentenced for terrorism and mercenary activities, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anatoli Glaz on the social network VK. Glaz only mentioned the sentence, but not the death penalty. Belarus, governed by President Alexander Lukashenko, is the only country in Europe where this penalty is still carried out – and that by shooting.
"Of course, there were contacts with the German side regarding this matter," said Glaz. "This criminal is a German national, and we understand the German side's concern for him." Belarus has made "concrete proposals for solutions" in line with international law and agreements with the German side for consular access to the "criminal," Glaz added.
Belarus has "concrete solution proposals"
The German Foreign Office confirmed the case. Berlin condemns the death penalty as inhumane and fundamentally, the statement read. "Considering the request of the German Foreign Office, the Belarusian side has made concrete proposals for solutions to the existing options regarding the development of the situation," said Glas. He did not provide details. The Foreign Ministries of both countries held consultations on the matter, he added.
The former volunteer of the German Red Cross was accused of mercenary activities, espionage, terrorism, creation of an extremist organization, destruction of a transport object, and illegal handling of weapons, explosives, and ammunition, according to the Belarusian human rights organization Viasna. The trial was reportedly held on June 21 in Minsk.
- The death sentence against the German citizen in Belarus has sparked criticism from certain European countries, including Germany.
- Anatoli Glass, speaking on behalf of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, mentioned the sentence but not the death penalty in his statement on VK.
- Despite Germany's condemnation of the death penalty, Belarus, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, continues to carry out this penalty uniquely in Europe – by shooting.
- The German Foreign Office, in response to the situation, has discussed concrete solution proposals with the Belarusian side.
- The accused German national, who was involved in mercenary activities and terrorism, as per Belarusian accusations, faced trial in Minsk on June 21.
