Sigi's tips: Darja Domratscheva's conflict

Sigi Heinrich

Alexei Kudin, world champion in kick and Thai boxing. Ilja Litvinov, junior national ice hockey player. Two athletes from Belarus who were severely abused by the Omon, Alexander Lukashenko's notoriously brutal special forces.

Until now, Darja Domratscheva, four-time Olympic biathlon champion, had remained silent about the events in her country. She was Lukashenko's favorite and is a legend in Belarus. But she was also employed as a first lieutenant in the secret service, although that was of course just social security. She didn't have to denounce or observe, she had to deliver medals. She did this diligently, which is why she was present at the laying of the foundation stones of hospitals. She gave copies of her medals to the ruler. She got a wonderful property on a lake, very close to her patron. There have been protests against the regime in Belarus for months. The state is reacting with full force. © APA/afp / SIARHEI LESKIEC

Now her attitude seems to have changed. For obvious reasons, because now Lukashenko's henchmen have beaten her brother Nikita to the point of hospitalization. Blood soaked his head bandage. The beating probably also left bruises all over his body. He was one of 100.000 demonstrators who have taken to the streets in Belarus every weekend for eleven weeks against their president. Domratscheva has now at least called for an end to the violence.

It is - unfortunately - a protest that is far too weak. She would have the power and the position to do more. But Ole-Einar Björndalen's wife, who works with him as a trainer in China, no longer lives in their great house in Belarus. The call came via social media and probably has no consequences for you personally. A petition with no chance of success In contrast, 15 athletes were recently arrested, four are said to still be in prison, and more than 20 are no longer allowed to train. They were all among 900 athletes who signed a petition presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) calling for an end to the violence. The action was led by Alexandra Herassimenja, world swimming champion.

In this context, it is important to know that Alexander Lukashenko has also been President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus since 1997. The top sports official who, as usual, liked to bask in the successes of his athletes. By the way, this has already been well appreciated. Lukashenko was awarded an Olympic medal twelve years ago “for his outstanding contribution to the Olympic movement” by the European Olympic Committee (EOC) and not, as erroneously initially mentioned, by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Alexander Lukashenko, president and top sports official in Belarus. © APA (AFP/BELTA) / ANDREI STASEVICH

It is good that the European Parliament awarded the “Democratic Opposition” in Belarus with the “Sakharov Prize” a few days ago. Named after Nobel Peace Prize winner and Soviet-era dissident Andrei Sakharov. International sport is watching Finally a sign that could give Lukashenko, who is hungry for recognition from the West, something to think about. Or not. There have been no further actions that could help the opposition so far.

The International Football Association (FIFA) wants to hold its congress in Minsk next year, even if the prisons are full by then. The 2021 Ice Hockey World Championship will also continue to be held in Belarus (together with Latvia). Lukashenko himself will probably play the first puck. And the IOC? Refers to the Olympic Carta. If this is not adhered to, measures and sanctions provided for in the Carta would be taken.

These are not claws attacking Lukashenko, these are caresses. The athletes who rebel against the unjust regime are left alone. And it's a slap in the face to those who are beaten up by state power and yet keep getting up, like football goalkeeper Yevgeny Kostyukevich, who demanded that the government finally stop murdering its own people. He is no longer in the goal.

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Sigi's tips: Darja Domratscheva's conflict

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