These Germans have released Russia and Belarus
Murder for Political Prisoners: A Brief Summary of the Exchange Between Russia and the West. Moscow is willing to release several Germans, likely convicted on trumped-up charges, to secure the release of hitman Vadim Krasikov. Here's an overview of those involved:
Rico Krieger: The paramedic is currently the most well-known case, having recently been sentenced to death in Belarus and then pardoned. The 30-year-old was accused of mercenary activities, espionage, and terrorism. Krieger was allegedly working with the Ukrainian SBU and was linked to the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, where Belarusians fight on Ukraine's side against Russia.
Patrick Schöbel: The 38-year-old Hamburg resident was arrested at St. Petersburg's international airport at the beginning of the year for possessing cannabis gummies. Russian authorities promptly posted photos of the "contraband" online. Schöbel reportedly planned to meet a woman he had met online and travel through the country.
German Moyzhes: The case of the German-Russian national only recently came to light. The state-run Russian news agency TASS reported that the lawyer was arrested in St. Petersburg in May. He faced charges of "treason," which carries a severe penalty. The "Jewish General" reported that the Jew was active in the Cologne city council and had moved back to St. Petersburg a few years ago. He is said to have been imprisoned in the notorious Lefortovo prison.
Kevin Lik: At 19, he is one of the youngest detainees. He too was accused of treason. The Kremlin mouthpiece TASS reported that the German-Russian had photographed and filmed military equipment and personnel in the Maikop garrison in Russia for the German intelligence service and was sentenced to four years in prison.
Demuri Woronin: A Moscow court ruled that the now 44-year-old had passed Russian state secrets to the BND. He also holds dual German and Russian citizenship. In 2023, friends wrote to the Foreign Office, saying Woronin faced 13 years in prison if not helped.
At the beginning of the year, the German government estimated that around 30 German citizens were in Russian detention, according to a query by Bundestag member Andrej Hunko. About half of them also hold Russian citizenship.
The European Union has expressed concern over the detention of several German citizens in Russia, calling for their fair treatment and potential release. Given the current situation with the exchange of prisoners between Russia and the West, there's speculation that some of these Germans might be included in any potential deal.
In light of international diplomatic efforts, it's likely that the European Union will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of its citizens detained in Russia.
