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Kristina Timanowskaja from Belarus
Photo: Martin Meissner / dpa
After the athlete Kristina Timanowskaja escaped to the Polish embassy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) initiated a “formal investigation” against the Belarusian NOK. IOC spokesman Mark Adams reported. The IOC expects the requested report from the National Olympic Committee on Tuesday, but a decision on the consequences "could take time," said Adams. "We need to establish all the facts and hear everyone involved before we take any further action," said Adams. Previously, sports associations such as Athleten Deutschland and Global Athlete had requested a ban on the NOK of Belarus.
The sprinter was supposed to be flown home early from the Olympic Games in Tokyo against her will on Sunday evening after she had 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 (read a portrait here) had assured the IOC in several conversations that she now felt "safe and protected," said Adams. The 24-year-old is in a safe place. The IOC had also contacted the National Olympic Committee of Poland with the question of how to support Timanovskaya in the future. "Our very first and foremost priority is the safety of athletes," said Adams. The approach of the IOC should not only encourage Belarusian athletes but all athletes that their concerns are heard by the umbrella organization.
Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called for consequences for the leadership around dictator Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk.
He 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.
The Olympic Games should be a symbol of peace and fair play.
as / dpa / sid
