Western outrage grew and the European Union threatened more sanctions Monday over the forced diversion of a plane to Belarus that ended with the arrest of an opposition journalist. He and his Russian girlfriend were led off the plane shortly after landing — and authorities haven't said where they're being held. The plane, which began its journey in Athens, Greece, was eventually allowed to continue on to Vilnius, Lithuania. (Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images)Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary described the move as "a case of state-sponsored hijacking ... state-sponsored piracy." The Belarusian authorities have labelled the channel "extremist" and levelled charges of inciting mass riots and fanning social hatred against Pratasevich, who could face 15 years in prison if convicted.

Source: CBC News May 24, 2021 10:32 UTC