Press release

UK condemns actions by the Belarusian authorities: Foreign Secretary statement

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemns actions by the Belarusian authorities.

The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

The UK condemns yesterday’s actions by the Belarusian authorities, who arrested journalist Roman Protasevich on the basis of a ruse, having forced his flight to land in Minsk. Mr Lukashenko must be held to account for his outlandish actions.

The UK calls for the immediate release of Mr Protasevich and other political prisoners held in Belarus. The UK is working with our allies on a coordinated response, including further sanctions. The UK also calls for the ICAO Council to meet urgently to consider the regime’s flouting of the international rules safeguarding civil aviation.

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Published 24 May 2021