- Released man arrives at Cologne airport <unk> Scholz announces meeting
Following the prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, and Western countries, two planes carrying released individuals have landed at Cologne/Bonn Airport, according to dpa information. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had announced that he would meet with the former detainees late in the evening.
The SPD politician had previously interrupted his vacation and also landed at Cologne/Bonn Airport. Among those released are five Germans.
Olaf Scholz: "Prisoner exchange was a difficult decision"
Chancellor Scholz described the prisoner exchange with Russia and its partner Belarus as a difficult decision, especially considering the release of Wadim K., the so-called Tiergarten murderer who was previously incarcerated in Germany.
"No one took this decision lightly, releasing a murderer convicted to life imprisonment after just a few years in prison." The decision was made jointly by the coalition after careful consideration and weighing of the options.
The SPD politician, who was referring to Chancellor Scholz, had made a sudden return to Germany to be present at the Cologne/Bonn Airport, following the announced prisoner exchange. As per dpa's report, among the released individuals were five German nationals.
