President Joe Biden: Arrest of dissident journalist by Belarus ‘a direct affront to international norms’
ordered a MiG-29 fighter jet to accompany the return flight to Belarus, according to the presidential press service. Pratasevich was arrested at the airport, according to the Belarusian Interior Ministry.
Pratasevich, 26, faces charges that could carry a 15-year prison sentence for openly opposing Lukashenko.
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In a statement, Ryanair said Belarusian air traffic control instructed the plane to return to the capital, Minsk. The aircraft was cleared for service after being grounded for seven hours. No bombs were found.
Months of protests followed an election last August that granted Lukashenko his sixth term in office. Police detained around 30,000 protesters, many of whom were beaten. Pratasevich’s arrest follows the detainment of 11 staff members of a Belarusian news website.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism around the world. European Council President Charles Michel called for the International Civil Aviation Organization to launch an investigation, and on Monday the European Union banned Belarusian airlines from using its airspace and airports.
Contributing: The Associated Press