Strong reactions in Europe, after the hijacking of a plane by Belarus
Opposition blogger Roman Protasevich, who was traveling on the hijacked plane via Belarus, was arrested upon his arrival at Minsk airport on May 23, 2021. REUTERS - STRINGER
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A Ryanair Boeing 737 which took off from Athens for Vilnius in Lithuania and forced to land in Minsk.
Among the passengers, Roman Protasevich, a Belarusian blogger, wanted since last year's protests against Lukashenko's deemed fraudulent re-election in August 2020. He was arrested upon his arrival in the Belarusian capital.
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What happened during the flight is still unclear.
Rumors have been reported about the presence of explosives on board, but also a conflict between some passengers and the crew.
Mysterious travelers who demanded an emergency landing in Minsk.
What is in any case assumed by the Belarusian government, it is the sending of a fighter plane and a helicopter to "
escort the Boeing 737 of Ryanair
".
A personal order from President Lukashenko was reportedly given.
In any case, on the ground, searches took place and no explosives were discovered, but the opponent Roman Protasevich was arrested.
He is the founder
of the opposition blog Nexta
, which has become one of the main sources of information on the protests in the country.
The 26-year-old young man has been placed since last November by the security services on the list of "
individuals involved in terrorist activities
".
He risks the death penalty
Firm reactions in Europe
The reactions followed one another in Europe to the announcement of the hijacking of the plane. The Polish Prime Minister described the arrest of Belarusian opponent Roman Protassevich as an act of “
state terrorism
”, following in the footsteps of French President Emmanuel Macron, who had denounced this act “
unacceptable
”. The same word used by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who tweeted: “
The Belarusian authorities' hijacking of a Ryanair flight is unacceptable. A firm and united response from the Europeans is essential.
"
Belarusian authorities' hijacking of @Ryanair flight is unacceptable.
A firm and united response from the Europeans is essential.
All passengers on this flight, including any Belarusian opponents, must be allowed to leave #Belorussia without delay.
- Jean-Yves Le Drian (@JY_LeDrian) May 23, 2021
A little earlier, Germany had demanded an "
immediate explanation
" from the Belarusian authorities.
European Foreign Minister Josep Borell said: “
We hold the government of Belarus responsible for the safety of all passengers and the aircraft.
ALL passengers must be able to continue their journey immediately
.
"
►To listen again: Belarus: the silent repression
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