<p>An opposition journalist who was arrested after being hauled off a Ryanair plane that was forced to land in Belarus almost two years ago was jailed for eight years on Wednesday, state news agency <em>BELTA </em>said.</p>.<p>Along with two others — who were tried in absentia—Roman Protasevich, 27, was accused of committing at least 1,586 crimes, state news agency <em>Belta </em>said.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/mha-to-prepare-standard-operational-procedures-for-journalists-safety-and-security-1210171.html" target="_blank">MHA to prepare Standard Operational Procedures for journalists' safety and security</a></strong></p>.<p>The charges included organising mass riots, preparing actions grossly violating public order, calling for sanctions against Belarus, creating or leading an extremist group, and conspiracy to seize power.</p>.<p>The circumstances of Protasevich's arrest in May 2021 prompted international outrage and triggered European Union sanctions against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.</p>.<p>He had been flying from Greece to Lithuania when Belarusian air traffic control suddenly diverted the flight to Minsk on the basis of a false bomb alert. He was arrested and detained along with his then girlfriend.</p>
<p>An opposition journalist who was arrested after being hauled off a Ryanair plane that was forced to land in Belarus almost two years ago was jailed for eight years on Wednesday, state news agency <em>BELTA </em>said.</p>.<p>Along with two others — who were tried in absentia—Roman Protasevich, 27, was accused of committing at least 1,586 crimes, state news agency <em>Belta </em>said.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/mha-to-prepare-standard-operational-procedures-for-journalists-safety-and-security-1210171.html" target="_blank">MHA to prepare Standard Operational Procedures for journalists' safety and security</a></strong></p>.<p>The charges included organising mass riots, preparing actions grossly violating public order, calling for sanctions against Belarus, creating or leading an extremist group, and conspiracy to seize power.</p>.<p>The circumstances of Protasevich's arrest in May 2021 prompted international outrage and triggered European Union sanctions against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.</p>.<p>He had been flying from Greece to Lithuania when Belarusian air traffic control suddenly diverted the flight to Minsk on the basis of a false bomb alert. He was arrested and detained along with his then girlfriend.</p>