Boris Johnson warns Belarus over ‘deeply distressing’ video of detained journalist Roman Protasevich
SMA NEWS – LONDON
Boris Johnson has warned the actions of Belarus will have consequences, after a video emerged of detained journalist Roman Protasevich appearing to admit organising anti-government protests.
The UK prime minister issued his warning after Mr Protasevich’s father said his son’s appearance in the video had only occurred as a result of coercion.
Mr Johnson, a former Daily Telegraph columnist, said on Twitter: “The video of Roman Protasevich makes for deeply distressing viewing.
“As a journalist and a passionate believer in freedom of speech I call for his immediate release.
“Belarus’ actions will have consequences.”
Belarus scrambled a fighter plane to escort a Ryanair passenger flight from Athens to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius carrying Mr Protasevich, a prominent critic of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Western powers have described the incident as “state piracy” and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg today described it as a “state hijacking”. Western powers have described the incident as “state piracy” and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg today described it as a “state hijacking”.
