 Going outside of Africa, the UN Human Rights Watchdog has demanded that Belarus release of dissident journalist Roman Pratatovich, whom it seized from a divided airliner, in an incident that has provoked an international anger. The manner through threat of military force in which Pratatovich was abducted from the jurisdiction of another state and brought within that of Belarus was tantamount to an extraordinary rendition. Such abuse of state power against the journalists for exercising functions that are protected under international law is receiving and deserves the strongest condemnation. We fear for Roman Pratatovich's safety and wish to seek assurances that he is treated humanely and is not subjected to ill treatment or torture. His appearance on state TV last night was not reassuring given the apparent bruising to his face and the strong likelihood that his appearance was not voluntary and his confession to serious crimes was forced.