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Kristina Timanovskaya (on July 30th)
Photo: VALDRIN XHEMAJ / EPA
The case of the Belarusian Olympic participant Kristina Timanovskaya is causing excitement beyond the sporting world and has long since reached a considerable political dimension.
Most recently, the Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki intervened. He calls for consequences for the leadership in Minsk.
Morawiecki spoke of a "criminal attempt to kidnap a sportswoman who is critical of the Belarusian regime".
The "aggression of the Belarusian security services on Japanese territory" must meet "resolute opposition from the international community," demanded the head of government in a Facebook post on Monday evening.
Morawiecki warned that the Olympic Games should be a symbol of peace and fair play.
According to the opposition in her country, the sprinter escaped an impending kidnapping from the country where the Olympics were to be held.
The Belarusian association initially only said that Timanovskaya would not take part in further competitions because of her "emotional-psychological condition".
However, she herself described this representation as a "lie".
Belarus has apparently not yet responded to a request for clarification of the situation by the International Olympic Committee, or at least not publicly.
In the meantime Timanowskaja received a humanitarian visa at the Polish embassy in Tokyo.
One is ready to give her the opportunity to continue her sporting career, emphasized Morawiecki.
The 24-year-old is expected to arrive in Warsaw mid-week.
The athlete's husband is also coming to Poland
Timanovskaya was apparently due to be flown home early from the Olympic Games in Tokyo against her will on Sunday evening after she publicly criticized sports officials in her country.
She sought refuge with the police at the airport and no longer wants to return to Belarus.
She is afraid for her safety, said the athlete.
Timanovskaya's husband claims to have fled Belarus to Ukraine.
But he is also expected in Poland shortly.
jok / dpa