European Council calls for immediate release of Roman Protasevich
The European Council is calling for the immediate release of an opposition journalist whose Ryanair flight was hijacked over Belarus on Sunday.
Roman Protasevich was arrested after the plane was forced to divert by fighter jets to Minsk.
The EU has agreed for all flights from the country to be banned from entering the bloc's air space.
Last night a video showing Mr Protasevich was released from his jail cell where he says he's cooperating with investigators, and confessed to charges of organising protests.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Belarus needs to become democratic.
"Roman Protasevich immediately, as long as it [Belarus] finally respects the freedom of media and the freedom of the press and the freedom of opinion.
"There is a €3bn investment and economic package - that is on hold and frozen until Belarus turns democratic."
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