The Daily The Saga of Ryanair Flight 4978
May 27, 2021
Anton Troianovski, the Moscow bureau chief for The New York Times, provides keen insights into the forced landing of Ryanair Flight 4978 in Minsk. He discusses the alarming political motives behind this act, specifically targeting dissident journalist Roman Protasevich. The conversation explores the panic of passengers amidst a geopolitical crisis and examines the strong international backlash against Belarus's authoritarian regime. Troianovski also sheds light on the resilience of public dissent and the implications for global aviation security.
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Ryanair Flight Diversion
- A Ryanair flight from Athens to Vilnius was unexpectedly diverted to Minsk after a supposed bomb threat.
- Onboard, Roman Protasevich, a Belarusian dissident journalist, realized the true reason and expressed fear for his life.
Motive Behind the Diversion
- Belarus's government, under authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko, orchestrated the plane's diversion to arrest Protasevich.
- Protasevich, a key figure in organizing protests against Lukashenko, was considered a major threat.
International Response
- International outrage followed, with accusations of air piracy and state terrorism against Belarus.
- The EU responded with flight bans and considered further sanctions.