International outrage over arrest of Belarus journalist from diverted plane

The forced diversion of a passenger jet by Belarus to arrest an opposition journalist has drawn criticism from world leaders.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko sparked international outrage by dispatching a fighter jet on Sunday to intercept the Ryanair flight from Greece to Lithuania carrying Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega.

A brief video clip of Pratasevich, who ran a popular messaging app that played a key role in helping organize huge protests against Lukashenko, was shown on state television on Monday night. The TV footage showed Protasevich with dark markings on his forehead, saying he was being treated "according to the law."

US President Joe Biden slammed Belarus on Monday for the "outrageous" act of forcing a flight in Minsk where the dissident journalist onboard was arrested.

EU leaders demanded the immediate release of the journalist who is Belarusian President’s key foe.

EU leaders agreed on Monday to cut air links with Belarus, and the bloc said it would adopt further "targeted economic sanctions" against Belarusian authorities.