Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising what I agree is a very important issue. Ireland has promptly and publicly condemned the coercive forced landing of a Ryanair aircraft on Sunday last and the subsequent detention of Roman Protasevich and Sofia Sapega. We have raised our concerns over this incident with our EU and international partners, including at a meeting of UN Security Council members. We have also made Ireland’s position clear directly to the Belarusian Embassy in London.

These acts, which endangered the lives of the passengers and crew, showed a flagrant disregard for international law and were a direct threat to EU aviation security. As the aircraft is registered in Poland and was en route to Lithuania, our Polish and Lithuanian colleagues are actively working on investigations into the incident and we fully support them in their efforts. It is essential that the full details of what happened be brought to light and, in support of that goal, Ireland called for a transparent and independent investigation during a special meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization today.

We categorically reject the false narrative of the Belarusian authorities as to the reasons for this incident. At a meeting of EU leaders on Monday evening, the Taoiseach clearly communicated Ireland’s view that a strong EU response was needed, as is now being delivered through the concrete steps the EU leaders have agreed. EU airlines have been asked to avoid Belarusian airspace and work has commenced on banning Belarusian airlines from EU airspace. The EU will bring additional sanctions against those responsible for what has happened and is actively considering what form of additional economic sanctions it will take. The EU continues to consider our broader relations with Belarus, including its involvement in the eastern partnership mechanism.

I am deeply concerned for the welfare of Mr. Protasevich and Ms Sapega and I reiterate the call for their immediate and unconditional release. There are thousands of reports of human rights violations in Belarus, including numerous allegations of torture and physical and sexual abuse in detention. I know that the plight of those unjustly detained in Belarus is a matter of deep concern for all Deputies. Ireland has repeatedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those unjustly detained. I assure the House we will continue to do what we can to press the Belarusian authorities to adhere to their international commitments and obligations.

The repression of the Lukashenko regime has increased in recent months, with independent media and human rights work effectively criminalised. The Belarusian authorities cannot be permitted to continue their heinous acts with impunity. Ireland, the EU and our international partners have been working to ensure those who violate human rights will be held accountable for their actions through international investigations.

Following the successful adoption of an EU-led resolution at the Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has begun establishing a team who will investigate human rights violations in Belarus. We strongly support her and the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus in their work and urge the Belarusian authorities to engage with them.

Ireland’s support for the Belarusian people in their long-standing defence of democratic principles and human rights is unequivocal and unwavering. We have stood in solidarity with them since the beginning of this long night of repression and will continue to do so.

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