- Scholz receives released at airport <unk> Criticism of release of zoo killer
After the historic prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, and several Western countries, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed 13 freed individuals in Germany. "That was very moving," he said later at Cologne/Bonn Airport. "Many feared for their health and even their lives, which must be clearly stated, and therefore it was important that we were able to provide them with this protection here."
In this unprecedented action, involving the Turkish intelligence agency MIT, a total of 26 prisoners were exchanged. In exchange for the release of political prisoners and Kremlin critics, Germany, the USA, and partner countries released a convicted murderer and prisoners accused of espionage from Russia. Thus, Germany handed over Wadim K., the so-called Tiergarten murderer, at the handover on the airport in the Turkish capital Ankara. Russia released, among others, the "Wall Street Journal" correspondent Evan Gershkovich, convicted of espionage, as well as prominent opposition figures such as Vladimir Kara-Mursa and Ilya Yashin.
Warm Welcome by Putin in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed the Russians released from the West. The Kremlin chief embraced at least one of the men on the tarmac where the presidential guard was standing in formation. "You are home, you are in your homeland," Putin greeted the freed prisoners and announced that they would be nominated for state awards.
In the USA, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris plan to welcome Gershkovich and their fellow countrymen Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva at a military airport near Washington on Thursday evening (local time). According to the White House, the three are expected to arrive at 05:30 AM (CET).
Criticism of the Release of the Tiergarten Murderer
Especially the release of the "Tiergarten murderer" Wadim K. cast a bitter shadow over the joy of the release of the political prisoners. "Not even five years after the murder," the relatives of the victim said in a statement by their lawyer Inga Schulz on Thursday evening, "the murderer commissioned by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is free again."
The release of the Russian Vadim Krasikov, convicted to life imprisonment in Germany, was "a devastating message for us relatives," the statement continued. "On the one hand, we are glad that someone's life was saved. On the other hand, we are very disappointed that it seems there is no law in the world, even in countries where the law is considered the highest instance."
Krasikov was sentenced to life imprisonment in Germany at the end of 2021. According to the conviction of the Berlin Higher Regional Court, he had shot a Georgian of Chechen origin in the Tiergarten in the capital in August 2019. The court considered it proven that Krasikov had committed the murder on behalf of state Russian authorities.
Scholz Speaks of "Right Decision"
"No one took this decision lightly, to deport a murderer convicted to life imprisonment after only a few years in prison," said Scholz. The difficult decision was made jointly by the coalition after careful consultation and consideration, with the leader of the opposition - the chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group Friedrich Merz - being informed early on and reportedly agreeing.
After meeting with the released individuals, Scholz 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."
SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth wrote on X that sometimes one must "make a deal with the devil for humanitarian reasons." Justice Minister Marco Buschmann acknowledged that painful concessions had to be made for the freedom of the prisoners. Regarding the expulsion of convicted murderer Wadim K., he said, "I take responsibility for that particularly bitter concession as Justice Minister."
Human rights organization Amnesty International welcomed the prisoner exchange but warned about the consequences of such deals. "The Russian government could feel encouraged to make further political arrests and human rights violations without fearing consequences," said Christian Mihr, deputy secretary-general in Germany.
Among the German citizens released were Rico K., who was initially sentenced to death in Belarus but later pardoned, and Patrick S., who was arrested at the airport in St. Petersburg for allegedly carrying cannabis gummies in his luggage.
In the aftermath of the exchange, the freed individuals, including those from Germany, were anticipated to return home. Upon their arrival, they were expected to touch down at Cologne/Bonn Airport for a warm welcome.
During the historic event, various nations, including Germany, facilitated the release of several individuals, with some eventually returning to Cologne.
