As countries impose a ban on airlines from entering Belarusian airspace after the “hijacking” of a passenger plane, long-time President Alexander Lukashenko is showing no signs of being cowed and has accused the West of “ill-wishing” his country.
DAYS after the Ryanair plane “hijacking” and the arrest of his critic Roman Protasevich, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko tries to fend off Western retaliation by defending his actions over the incident.
Outraged by the thug-like behavior of the 66-year-old president and for undermining international laws, countries in the past week reacted with fierce sanctions and other bans to pressure Lukashenko’s regime in releasing Protasevich and Sofia Sapega.
"As we predicted, our ill-wishers at home and abroad have changed their methods of attacking the state,” the leader said during an address to the country’s parliament.
“They have crossed many red lines and crossed boundaries of common sense and human morality," he emphasized.
On Sunday, the Belarusian jet fighter ordered Ryanair flight FR4978, bound to Lithuania from Greece, to land in Minsk under the pretense of a bomb threat from Hamas. (See also: Brazen ‘hijacking’: Belarus’ government stops plane to arrest critic )
However, the Palestinian-based militant dismissed the accusation.
But the president stuck to his initial reasoning, claiming that parties outside the country were waging a "hybrid warfare" against them.
"I acted lawfully to protect our people," he said, while labeling Protasevich a “terrorist” who wants to start a “bloody rebellion”.
He also dismissed reports that he order jet fighters to force the airplane to land by calling it an “absolute lie”.
Mass protests
On the other hand, Lukashenko’s critics and other observers rejected his arguments and accuses him of silencing voices of dissent against his presidential term, which he has been holding since 1994.
An exiled opposition leader revealed that they are preparing another anti-government demonstration in the country in response to the jailing of Protasevich and despite threats of brutal crackdowns from authorities.
"There's nothing more to wait for, we have to stop the terror once and for all," said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on social media.
The people’s reaction
In light of the mounting sanctions, many Belarusian feel helpless as their neighbors closes their borders but similarly conveyed their enthusiasm that countries are putting effort to stop Lukashenko’s regime in terrorizing his people.
“Many people like myself are happy that the West finally is doing something real. However, many people are anxious about not having the possibility to fly to the EU countries or Ukraine,” a citizen who hid his identity told CNN.
UN Probe
After the European Union and other countries imposed travel bans and other sanctions against Belarus and its officials, members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for investigation on the events.
However, only Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States out of the 15-member assembly supported the initiative since Russia had likely caused a deadlock as a permanent council member, an important and strong ally of Belarus. (JT)
Tags: #geopolitics, #Belarus, #AlexanderLukashenko, #airlinehijacking