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Belarus' Lukashenko Fires Back At Critics

Longtime leader defends order to divert flight and arrest opposition journalist.

Belarus' Lukashenko Fires Back At Critics
ergei Shelega / BelTA / AP
SMS

Belarus' leader is pushing back against allegations he diverted a Lithuania-bound flight Sunday to arrest an opposition journalist on board. 

President Alexander Lukashenko said he ordered the plane to land in Minsk because of a bomb threat, though nothing was found. 

Lukashenko dismissed Western criticism of the event, calling it an "absolute lie." He also accused European leaders of waging what he called a "hybrid war" by threatening new sanctions against Belarus. 

Opposition groups have called on Lukashenko to resign since August, when he won a sixth term in an election they say was rigged.