Statement by Lithuania at the special OSCE PC meeting of May 25 on the forced landing of Ryanair flight FR4978 in Minsk
Madame Chairperson,
Lithuania fully aligns with the statement of the European Union and condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the forced landing by Belarusian authorities of a Ryanair flight FR4978 in Minsk on Sunday 23rd May and the detention of Raman Pratasevic, a Belarusian journalist and democratic opposition activist, and founder of the Nexta information channel, as well as of Sofia Sapega, who travelled with him.
This diversion and forced landing of a civilian aircraft traveling between two EU capitals - Athens and Vilnius - constitutes a gross violation of international law. It is also a dangerous act, which endangered the lives of civilians and could be described as an act of state terrorism, requiring an urgent and thorough international investigation.
We call on the International Civil Aviation Organization to order an immediate, transparent and credible investigation into this incident, examining the Belarusian regime's violation of the international rules safeguarding civil aviation. Mr Lukashenko has to be held accountable for his reckless actions. All those involved must also face significant consequences.
Lithuanian prosecutors have already launched a criminal investigation into the forced landing. For its part, the Lithuanian Government has stopped all flights to or from any Lithuanian airport that travel through Belarusian airspace. Passenger safety is our top priority. Last night the European Council undertook a similar decision. We urge other members of this organization and of the international community to follow suit and suspend using Belarusian airspace for civil aviation.
We strongly condemn Lukashenka regime’s violent repression of the pro-democracy opposition, independent media and total disregard for international law. Last week we witnessed a further crackdown on Belarus’ leading independent news portal, Tut.by, and the detention of at least 15 journalists and media actors on politically motivated charges. Yesterday Lukashenko approved legislation expanding restrictions on the type of information that can be published on Belarusian media, including a ban on reporters from providing real-time coverage of unauthorised mass events. These are just a few of the most recent and glaring examples of how the regime has tried to systematically decimate the country’s independent media and to silence any critical voice.
Such actions are unacceptable and utterly contradict the core international obligations and commitments endorsed by Belarus, including in the OSCE. We reiterate our call on Belarus to reverse the trend towards growing restrictions on freedom of expression and to immediately release all journalists, including Raman Pratasevich.
We also call for the immediate release of all Belarus’ political prisoners and those being unjustly detained. The regime must cease detaining political activists and a full accounting of those reported missing must be undertaken, with those responsible for severe abuses held to account.
I thank you
