EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell called for an international investigation into the incident with the Ryanair plane landing in Minsk, RIA Novosti reported.

The Ryanair plane, flying from Athens to Vilnius, on May 23 urgently landed at the Minsk airport due to a message about mining, sappers dropped out. Information about mining was not confirmed, the Investigative Committee of Belarus announced the initiation of a criminal case on the fact of a false report about mining.

Human rights defenders of Belarus reported that the founder of the NEXTA Telegram channel recognized as an extremist in Belarus was on board. He was detained while checking documents at the Minsk airport.  A criminal case was opened against him under several articles, including the article on organizing mass riots. He could face punishment up to 15 years in prison.

The head of EU diplomacy called for the immediate release of the journalist. According to him, the Belarusian authorities endangered the safety of passengers and crew of the Ryanair aircraft. 

It is necessary to conduct an international investigation of this incident in order to establish a violation of the rules of international aviation, Borrell said.

This situation will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Council of Europe. The EU will consider the consequences of the incident, including taking action against those in charge, he added.