COLOGNE, Germany, Aug 1, 2024 (AFP) - Some prisoners freed from Russia and
Belarus in a major swap had feared for their lives, Chancellor Olaf Scholz
said Friday, after meeting a group of the detainees on their arrival in
Germany.

He described a "moving" encounter with the prisoners, many of whom "did not
expect this to happen now", adding: "Many feared for their health and even
their lives".

Speaking after welcoming the prisoners at Cologne airport, Scholz insisted
the swap was "the right decision, and if you had any doubts, you will lose
them after talking to those who are now free".

Two dozen prisoners were freed Thursday in the complex swap, including US
journalist Evan Gershkovich and a Russian hitman jailed for a brazen murder
in Berlin.

Germany is receiving a total of 12 detainees. These include five who hold
German nationality, including some dual nationals.

Among them is Rico Krieger, a German who was sentenced to death in Belarus on
espionage charges before a reprieve this week.

The German government has defended the decision to free Russian hitman Vadim
Krasikov, who assassinated a former Chechen rebel commander, and was a key
figure sought by the Russians as part of the deal.

"We are a society that is characterised by... the idea of individual freedom
and by democracy," Scholz said.

"And the fact that those who have to fear for their lives because they have
stood up for democracy and freedom can also count on the protection of others
is part of our self-image as a democratic... society," he added.