A 30-year-old German citizen, Rico K.

, has been sentenced to death in Belarus on charges including terrorism and mercenary activities.

The Belarusian government confirmed the verdict, which was announced on June 21, 2024, but did not explicitly mention the death penalty.

In a televised plea, Rico K.

begged for mercy, claiming that the German government has not intervened on his behalf.

Observers suggest that Belarus, under President Alexander Lukashenko, may be using his case as leverage for a potential prisoner exchange with Germany, possibly in connection with a Russian national imprisoned in Germany.

The German Foreign Ministry has expressed deep concern over the treatment of Rico K.

and is providing consular support, emphasizing that the death penalty is a violation of human rights.