Government of Belarus commits air piracy (2021)
Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2026 3:00 am
In May 2021, Ryanair flight 4978 was forced to land by the government of Belarus due to claims of a bombing attempt. In reality, it was to throw two political dissidents into a human cage, Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega.
Following the incident, the airline refused to fly over Belarus air space. Understandably.
The story is a few years old, but still makes the point: If almost anyone commits air piracy, they rot in a cage forever. But governments are free to do as they please.
Following the incident, the airline refused to fly over Belarus air space. Understandably.
The story is a few years old, but still makes the point: If almost anyone commits air piracy, they rot in a cage forever. But governments are free to do as they please.