Poland Charges Belarusian Officials Over 2021 Ryanair Hijacking

Polish prosecutors announce charges against three Belarusian citizens for their roles in the 2021 forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk, which resulted in the arrest of opposition journalist Roman Protasevich. The incident, deemed a hijacking by some EU leaders, led to EU sanctions against Belarus.

Polish prosecutors have gathered sufficient evidence to charge three Belarusian citizens in connection with the forced landing of a civilian airliner in Minsk in 2021. The plane, registered in Poland, was carrying opposition journalist Roman Protasevich, who was arrested upon landing.

The Ryanair flight from Athens to Lithuania was diverted to Belarus's capital under the escort of a MiG-29 fighter jet. Once on the ground, Protasevich and his Russian girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, were taken into custody. Polish authorities consider the event a hijacking.

Prosecutors identified the suspects as Leonid C., Yevgenia T., and Andrey AM, all associated with Belarusian air navigation and security services. Arrest warrants have been issued, and European Arrest Warrants are being sought. The European Union responded to the incident with sanctions against Belarus.

(With inputs from agencies.)