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with Clem Ryan

Belrusian President Claims Bomb Threat From Switzerland Was Reason For Ryanair Diversion

File image: Google Earth

Opposition journalist arrested after diversion

The President of Belarus claims a bomb threat from Switzerland was behind the decision to divert a Ryanair flight to Minsk on Sunday.

The Belrusian government has been heavily criticised after arresting a journalist critical of the regime, immediately after the plane landing.

Alexander Lukashenko claims his actions were lawful, and says Belarus will respond strongly to sanctions that are imposed on the country.

A 23 year-old woman, arrested with Belarusian journalist Roman Protasevich when the plane was diverted to Minsk, has appeared in video at a detention centre.

Sofia Sapega, believed to be the girlfriend of Mr. Protasevich, admitted to managing a social media channel revealing personal information regarding law enforcement officers in Belarus, which is a crime in the country.

Roman Protasevich was seen in a video in similar circumstances the day before, with his supporters claiming he was forced to partake.

 

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