A German man, Rico Krieger, who has been sentenced to death in Belarus for terrorism, has appeared in a heavily choreographed interview on state-controlled television. In the 16-minute video, Krieger is seen confessing to planting explosives near a railway line, claiming he was acting on instructions from Ukraine, although no proof is provided.
Krieger, who is believed to be the first Western citizen ever given the death penalty in Belarus, is shown in tears appealing to the German government for help “before it’s too late.” The emotional and crudely produced video is seen as part of a campaign of increasing pressure in talks with the German authorities, possibly focusing on a prisoner exchange.
The case has prompted speculation about links to efforts by Russia to free an FSB hitman imprisoned in Germany. The German foreign ministry is working intensively with Belarusian authorities on behalf of Krieger, condemning the death penalty as a cruel and inhumane form of punishment.
There are inconsistencies and oddities in the case, with little concrete evidence provided. The timing of the case, coming after the sentencing of a US journalist in Russia, raises questions about potential political motives behind Krieger’s arrest and confession.
The propaganda film featuring Krieger is heavy on threat, with a doom-laden voiceover and scenes acted out by masked men. Krieger’s emotional plea for help and forgiveness adds to the intrigue surrounding the case, with activists hoping for a political intervention to change his sentence from death to life in prison.
