Saudi Gazette report

LONDON — Foreign ministers of the G7 countries have strongly condemned “the unprecedented action by the Belarusian authorities in arresting independent journalist, Raman Pratasevich and his companion, Sofia Sopega, after forcing flight FR4978 on which they were traveling to land in Minsk on May 23”.

In a joint statement, the ministers said: “This action jeopardized the safety of the passengers and crew of the flight. It was also a serious attack on the rules governing civil aviation. All our countries, and our citizens, depend on every state acting responsibly in fulfilling their duties under the Chicago Convention so that civil aircraft can operate safely and securely.”

They called on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to urgently address this challenge to its rules and standards.

“This action also represents a serious attack on media freedom. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Raman Pratasevich, as well as all other journalists and political prisoners held in Belarus,” the G7 foreign ministers added in the statement.

They vowed to enhance joint efforts, including through further sanctions as appropriate, to promote accountability for the actions of the Belarusian authorities.