Belarusian state television broadcast a second interview with imprisoned journalist and state critic Roman Protasevic (26). Suddenly he admitted any wrongdoing – and praised the governor, Alexander Lukashenko (66). For Protasevich’s father, it is clear that the interview was the result of “ill-treatment, torture and threats.”
26-year-old government critic arrestedAfter the Ryanair plane had to land in the capital, Minsk, by a Belarusian fighter plane on its way from Athens to Vilnius. Now he admits on state television that he called for protests.
The Belarusian authorities accuse Protasevich of organizing demonstrations against the government after the controversial presidential elections last year.
“You vacationed”
Protasevich’s father told AFP that it was a testimony obtained under torture. “I know my son very well and I think he would never say such a thing,” he says.
Active in Belarus: Protasevich sits in Lukashenko’s torture lock(03:32)
“I broke him and forced him to say what was necessary,” continues the anxious father.
Roman Protacevic and his partner were arrested on 23 May and have been in custody since. In response to the forced detention, the European Union closed its airspace to aircraft from Belarus. In addition, a landing ban was issued. (European Union)
Published: 04.06.2021, 5:12 am
Last update: 04.06.2021, 6:09 pm
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