Belarus releases video of jailed journalist Roman Protasevich as EU sanctions Minsk

A video has been released of dissident journalist Roman Protasevich, who was arrested aboard a Ryanair flight that was forced down by the Belarus air force on May 23, 2021. The video, which appears to show the journalist confessing to organising mass protests in the Belarusian capital Minsk, was made under duress, according to Belarusian opposition figures. The 26-year-old has been critical of President Alexander Lukashenko, who claimed victory in the 2020 Belarusian presidential elections. The country’s state media reported that Lukashenko personally ordered the flight to be intercepted, sparking international outrage. The European Union, UK and Ukraine told airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace, while the EU also banned Belarus access to its airspace and airports and called for the journalist’s immediate release.