The reports are calling it a pardon. What it really is, is a commutation from a death sentence to life in prison. But it is a hopeful sign — although a sign of what, remains to be seen.

Arrested in October, accused of acting as a mercenary (presumably on behalf of Ukraine) and of planting explosives, he is the first Western citizen known to have been given the death penalty in Belarus. And now, following international condemnation for the harshness of the sentence, Belarus’ presumptive president, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has stepped forward and commuted Kroeger’s sentence to life imprisonment.

What a guy! Or so say Belarusian state media, praising Lukashenko’s “merciful” action, and claiming the Germans had abandoned their own citizen (not true). And Lukashenko quietly released a number of political prisoners earlier this month as well.

But what is really behind this sudden turn of events? Could Belarus be making a peace offering to the West? Not likely . . . at least, not without the backing of Vladimir Putin. In fact, the more likely scenario is that Putin is, as usual, pulling the strings for this show.

And that inevitably raises more questions than answers. But in the meantime, cheers to Rico Kroeger. Even the smallest ray of hope is worth celebrating.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
7/31/24