Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced a pardon for Rico Krieger, a German citizen sentenced to death on terrorism charges, following a meeting in Minsk on Tuesday.
"The hardest thing about the presidency is cases involving an exceptional measure of punishment. But a decision has to be made. I just want to consult with you in this regard, to hear your opinion. You are the people directly involved in the case," the head of state said during the talks.
Footage shows Lukashenko, a representative from Belarus's national security agency, and Krieger's own lawyer Vladimir Gorbach discussing the case.
Gorbach himself said the meeting was 'frank'.
"I believe that the president has heard the opinions of all parties present during the conversation. And we, for our part, count on an act of humanity," he added.
The Belarusian president's website stated: "Krieger filed a clemency petition with the Belarusian president. The head of state made a decision to grant him clemency, taking into account all the circumstances."
Krieger was convicted of placing explosives on a railway line near Minsk in October 2023. No one was injured in the incident.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced a pardon for Rico Krieger, a German citizen sentenced to death on terrorism charges, following a meeting in Minsk on Tuesday.
"The hardest thing about the presidency is cases involving an exceptional measure of punishment. But a decision has to be made. I just want to consult with you in this regard, to hear your opinion. You are the people directly involved in the case," the head of state said during the talks.
Footage shows Lukashenko, a representative from Belarus's national security agency, and Krieger's own lawyer Vladimir Gorbach discussing the case.
Gorbach himself said the meeting was 'frank'.
"I believe that the president has heard the opinions of all parties present during the conversation. And we, for our part, count on an act of humanity," he added.
The Belarusian president's website stated: "Krieger filed a clemency petition with the Belarusian president. The head of state made a decision to grant him clemency, taking into account all the circumstances."
Krieger was convicted of placing explosives on a railway line near Minsk in October 2023. No one was injured in the incident.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced a pardon for Rico Krieger, a German citizen sentenced to death on terrorism charges, following a meeting in Minsk on Tuesday.
"The hardest thing about the presidency is cases involving an exceptional measure of punishment. But a decision has to be made. I just want to consult with you in this regard, to hear your opinion. You are the people directly involved in the case," the head of state said during the talks.
Footage shows Lukashenko, a representative from Belarus's national security agency, and Krieger's own lawyer Vladimir Gorbach discussing the case.
Gorbach himself said the meeting was 'frank'.
"I believe that the president has heard the opinions of all parties present during the conversation. And we, for our part, count on an act of humanity," he added.
The Belarusian president's website stated: "Krieger filed a clemency petition with the Belarusian president. The head of state made a decision to grant him clemency, taking into account all the circumstances."
Krieger was convicted of placing explosives on a railway line near Minsk in October 2023. No one was injured in the incident.