belarus

Olympics: ‘Stop being afraid’, dissident athlete tells Belarusians

WARSAW (AFP) – A Belarusian sprinter whose Cold War-style defection during the Olympics has gripped the world urged her fellow citizens on Monday (Aug 9) to follow her lead and speak out against the regime. In an interview with AFP on the first anniversary of a disputed presidential election in Belarus, Krystsina Tsimanouskaya said that... » read more

Olympics: Belarusian sprinter reaches Poland after defying order home

WARSAW/TOKYO (REUTERS) – Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya landed on Wednesday (Aug 4) in Poland to take refuge after defying an order to return early to her authoritarian homeland from the Tokyo Olympics. Reminiscent of sporting defections during the Cold War, the case could further isolate the government of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, which is under... » read more