President Joe Biden: Arrest of dissident journalist by Belarus a direct affront to international norms Chelsey Cox, USA TODAY
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President Joe Biden on Monday slammed the arrest of a dissident journalist by the government of Belarus, which diverted a commercial flight over its airspace for a forced landing in Minsk. Belarus’ forced diversion of a commercial Ryanair flight, traveling between two member states of the European Union, and subsequent removal and arrest of Raman Pratasevich, a Belarusian journalist traveling abroad, are a direct affront to international norms, Biden said in a statement.
He added: The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms both the diversion of the plane and the subsequent removal and arrest of Mr. Pratasevich.
Malian officers upset with a government reshuffle have detained the president and prime minister at an army camp outside the capital, triggering broad international condemnation and demands for their immediate release.
European Union leaders on Tuesday (24 May) condemned the “kidnapping” of Mali’s civilian leadership and warned of potential sanctions against those responsible.
“What happened was grave and serious and we are ready to consider necessary measures,” European Council President Charles Michel told reporters after a summit of the 27 national leaders.
Earlier, the west African country was plunged once again into political crisis when soldiers detained President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.