- Scholz meets released prisoners: "It was very moving"
Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with several freed detainees at Cologne/Bonn Airport following their arrival. "It was very moving," said the SPD politician afterwards. Many had not expected this to happen and were still overwhelmed with emotions at suddenly being free. "Many feared for their health and even their lives, which must be clearly stated, and that's why it's important that we've been able to provide them with this protection now," Scholz added.
Two planes carrying a total of 13 people had previously landed in Ankara, where the prisoner exchange took place. Scholz had cut short his vacation and also flown to Cologne. In total, 26 prisoners were handed over to the other side: five Germans, three Americans, one Russian-British citizen with permanent US residence ("Greencard"), and seven Russian opposition figures and Kremlin critics.
Scholz: Exchange was the right decision
Scholz had previously described the prisoner exchange with Russia and its partner Belarus as a difficult decision, especially regarding the release of the so-called Tiergarten murderer, Vadim K. After meeting with the former detainees, he described the exchange as the right decision. "And if anyone had any doubts, they would lose them after speaking with those who are now free." Scholz emphasized, "And that those who must fear for their lives because they've stood up for democracy and freedom can also rely on the protection of others, that's part of our self-image as a democratic, humanistic society."
The Chancellor, upon arriving in Cologne, met with the freed detainees at the airport, as mentioned earlier. Following this encounter, Scholz highlighted that the prisoner exchange with Russia was indeed the right decision.
