German chancellor calls Türkiye-mediated prisoner release ‘very moving’

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday he was relieved over the release of German detainees as a result of a Türkiye-mediated prisoner swap with Russia and Belarus, according to media reports.

Scholz, who met with several freed prisoners following their arrival at Cologne/Bonn Airport, said: “That was very moving. Many people feared for their health and also for their lives, that has to be said very clearly and that is why it is also important that we have now made this protection possible for them here.”

Many people did not expect this to happen, he added.

Two planes with a total of 13 people had previously landed from Ankara, where the prisoner exchange was taking place.

Scholz had previously described the prisoner exchange with Russia and its partner Belarus as a difficult decision.

Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) on Thursday led a successful prisoner exchange involving seven countries in one of the most extensive swap operations in recent years.

A total of 26 individuals were exchanged, transported to the Turkish capital Ankara on seven aircraft — one each from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and two from the US, according to security sources. Belarus was also involved in the swap.

Ten hostages, including two children, were transferred to Russia, while 13 were sent to Germany, and three to the US.