A major issue globally, freedom of speech became a storyline at the Tokyo Olympic Games, felt personally by Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya.
Tsimanouskaya was scheduled to be extradited to her home country after speaking out about her coaches, Artur Shimak and Yury Maisevich. Fearing unjust prosecution from Belarus’s authoritarian government, the sprinter was transported to Warsaw, Poland, through Vienna under the protection of the Austrian government. Upon arrival in Warsaw, the Polish government granted humanitarian visas to Tsimanouskaya and her husband.
It was a necessary intervention because Belarusian officials made it clear to Tsimanouskaya that she would face punishment upon returning home. Even though she is now safely located in Poland, Tsimanouskaya expressed concern for her parents, who remain in Belarus. That concern is warranted. The Belarusian regime has silenced critics, including opposition journalists.
After evaluating the situation, The Olympic Organizing Committee affirmed the seriousness of Tsimanouskaya’s claims and took action. Shimak and Maisevich were removed from the Olympic village and had their credentials revoked.
Krystsina Tsimanouskaya bravely defied oppression and has now found safe refuge in a new country. Others aren’t as lucky. That is why the fight for free speech is important and needs to continue.
