Scholz-speaker on prisoner exchange: Did we "not make the decision easy"
"The state's interest in enforcing the prison sentence of a convicted criminal was opposed by the freedom, physical well-being, and in some cases, ultimately the life of innocent individuals incarcerated in Russia, as well as those wrongfully imprisoned for political reasons," explained Hebestreit. "Our duty to protect German citizens and our solidarity with the USA were important motivations."
The prisoner exchange was "achieved through close and trusting cooperation with the United States and European partners," emphasized the government spokesman. According to this, 15 people who were unlawfully imprisoned in Russia were released. Additionally, a German, "who had been sentenced to death in Belarus," was included. According to Turkish reports, this is Rico Krieger, who was recently pardoned in Belarus.
"We hope that all those freed today will recover from physical and psychological trauma in the company of their families and friends," Hebestreit continued. "Our thoughts are with those who are still imprisoned in Russia for expressing their opinion and speaking the truth about Putin's war against Ukraine. Their courage should be an example to all democrats!" The federal government calls on the Russian and Belarusian leadership "to release all other wrongfully imprisoned political prisoners."
The government spokesperson highlighted that the prisoner exchange was achieved through close cooperation with the United States and European partners, resulting in the release of 15 unlawfully imprisoned individuals in Russia, including a German sentenced to death in Belarus. The federal government continues to advocate for the release of all other wrongfully imprisoned political prisoners in Russia.
