Lukashenko urges Belarusian athletes to “smash the faces” of their opponents – Libération

2024-04-30 16:29:27

War between Ukraine and RussiafileIn a statement this Tuesday, April 30, the Belarusian president sees in the participation of athletes from his country in the Paris Olympics under neutral status a “good way for us to hit them in the face politically” in case of victories.

We are far from the motto of the Olympic Games “faster, higher, stronger, together” dear to Pierre de Coubertin. “If you have made your choice and you go there under neutral status, beat the crap out of them, show them that you are a real Belarusian,” urged Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, addressing his country’s athletes. , quoted in a press release from the presidency.

At the end of March, the IOC announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes would not be able to parade during the opening ceremony in Paris. Belarus is excluded as a state from the Olympics because of its support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This ban is in addition to their obligation to participate under a neutral banner, provided they have not openly supported the attack against Ukraine. The Russian and Belarusian anthems will also not be able to play.

During a visit to the Belarusian region of Mogilev, residents asked Alexander Lukashenko what he thought of this participation under neutral status. “It’s up to the athlete to choose. If he decides to participate in the Olympics, he will be even fiercer. Because you understand that the state of mind and anger are not of minor importance in sport,” reacted Lukashenko according to a report published on the website of the Belarusian presidency. “You are Belarusian and when you emerge victorious, it is a good way for us to hit them in the face politically,” he insisted.

In power since 1994, Alexander Lukashenko has eradicated all forms of opposition in his country, repressing a peaceful mass movement in 2020. In addition, the man is used to sweeping declarations and outbursts. . We remember the day when he paraded in front of demonstrators opposed to his power, a Kalashnikov in his hand, calling them “rats”.