After landing, the co-pilot exited through the cockpit window with a rope. (Twitpic/@StandardKenya)

The man, who has been identified as Hailemedehin Abera Tagegn from Ethiopia, took over the Boeing 767 when its Italian pilot stepped out to use the bathroom, according to Sky News. Tagegn was reportedly seeking asylum and landed the plane safely in Geneva, Switzerland. After landing, Tagegn gave himself up to authorities. There were 202 passengers and crew members on board.

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"Swiss federal authorities are now investigating and could press charges that could carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years," the article said. "Human Rights Watch said Ethiopia's human rights record 'has sharply deteriorated' over the years."

Read more at Sky News, Reuters and USA Today. 

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