Death sentence - Human rights activists want to stop the execution of a German in Belarus
Multiple human rights organizations have called on the authorities in Belarus (formerly White Russia) to halt the execution of a German citizen sentenced to death. The death sentence is particularly alarming as it comes after numerous and systematic violations of the right to a fair trial and due process in Belarusian courts, according to the NGO Libereco in Berlin. The German was sentenced in Minsk on charges of terrorism and mercenary activities, according to the Foreign Ministry. The sentence has reportedly already been upheld in Minsk as no objection was filed.
Among the signatories of the appeal are also Belarusian organizations working in exile abroad, including the Nobel Peace Prize-winning group Viasna. They have been following the case of the German since several days. The defendant's lawyer, Vladimir Gorbachev, refused to comment on the case to the German Press Agency on request.
The former Red Cross rescue worker was accused of mercenary activities, espionage, terrorism, founding an extremist organization, damaging a transport object, and illegal handling of weapons, explosives, and ammunition, according to Viasna.
Belarusian civil rights activist Andrei Paluda from the initiative "Human Rights Defenders against the Death Penalty in Belarus" stated that Lukashenko has the power to pardon the man. However, observers expect that the man, who is under Western sanctions and dubbed the "last dictator in Europe," will not release the condemned man without a quid pro quo. Lukashenko is under international criticism for human rights violations and his support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Minsk makes proposals to the German government for a solution
The Foreign Ministry in Minsk has reportedly made proposals to Berlin to resolve the situation. No details about the negotiation offer were given. The Foreign Office only stated that the death sentence would be carried out. The condemned man is reportedly being consularly represented.
The opposition figure Pavel Latushko, who lives in exile in Poland, stated that the Lukashenko apparatus is trying to extort Germany. He believes that Lukashenko, acting on behalf of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, imposed the death sentence to free a Russian man serving a sentence for murder in Berlin's Tiergarten in a prisoner exchange. He warned against negotiating with Lukashenko. "He is a terrorist," he said. Lukashenko knows no red lines anymore.
- Despite the call from several human rights organizations, including Belarusian groups in exile, such as Viasna, to halt the execution, the death sentence of the German citizen in Belarus has reportedly been upheld in Minsk.
- The Federal government of Germany is currently engaging in negotiations with the authorities in Minsk, in response to the proposed solutions to resolve the situation involving the German citizen who has been sentenced to death in Belarus.
- In view of the controversial death sentence and the alleged motives behind it, as suggested by opposition figure Pavel Latushko, there are concerns among international observers that Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, may use the situation as an opportunity to seek favor from the Russian federal government.
