Washington: US President Joe Biden has condemned Belarus’ forced diversion of a commercial flight, travelling between two member states of the European Union, and subsequent arrest of Raman Pratasevich, a Belarusian journalist travelling abroad.
"Belarus’ forced diversion of a commercial Ryanair flight, travelling between two member states of the European Union, and subsequent removal and arrest of Raman Pratasevich, a Belarusian journalist travelling abroad, are a direct affront to international norms," Biden said in a statement on Monday.
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The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms both the diversion of the plane and the subsequent removal and arrest of Pratasevich. This outrageous incident and the video Pratasevich appears to have made under duress are shameful assaults on both political dissent and the freedom of the press, Biden added.
“The United States joins countries around the world in calling for his release, as well as for the release of the hundreds of political prisoners who are being unjustly detained by the Lukashenka regime”, Biden said in a statement, adding that America joins the many calls for an international investigation to ascertain the complete facts of the case.
“I welcome the news that the European Union has called for targeted economic sanctions and other measures, and have asked my team to develop appropriate options to hold accountable those responsible, in close coordination with the European Union, other allies and partners, and international organizations”, Biden reiterated.
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For months, the Belarusian people have made their voices heard—demanding democracy, respect for human rights, and the preservation of fundamental freedoms. “I applaud the courage and determination of Belarusians fighting for basic rights, including journalists like Raman Pratasevich and opposition leaders like Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski. The United States will continue to stand with the people of Belarus in their struggle”, Biden further said in a statement issued by the White House.
According to reports, the Ryanair flight carrying journalist Raman Pratasevich and 122 other passengers was 6 miles from the Lithuanian border on Sunday when it received a bomb threat.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko personally ordered a fighter jet to accompany the return flight to Belarus, according to the presidential press service. Journalist Pratasevich was arrested at the airport, according to the Belarusian Interior Ministry.
