Double Olympic champion Dmitry Vasiliev believes that members of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) are afraid to stand up for Russian athletes because of the possible negative consequences.
On Tuesday, the IBU executive committee recommended to Congress to extend the suspension of Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) membership and the suspension of Russian athletes due to the situation in Ukraine. The Board believes that the lifting of sanctions is possible if the organization demonstrates a commitment to supporting and promoting the goals and principles of the IBU, in particular, distancing itself from the conflict in Ukraine.
“In principle, they cannot have their own point of view, much less express it. This has serious repercussions for them. And in the spirit of the most difficult times of the Soviet period, when dissent was punished very harshly. Unfortunately, they do not know how to learn the lessons of history and walk on the same rake that our people had to cross, even if it positions itself as a democratic society.
There is no freedom of expression. Even the people of the international federation who really think differently (and there are many of them) cannot speak openly and at best are silent, and at worst they are forced to speak against Russia. Therefore, it is not necessary to count on anything positive. But such is the situation now. All that foam will come off after a while. It will end with people in Western states taking to the streets and saying, “Enough! We must negotiate with Russia! Only then will the whole saga with sports end, ”quotes RT Vasilyev.
On March 2, the IBU suspended Russians and Belarusians from participating in competitions under the auspices of the organization. On March 29, the IBU suspended the membership of the RBU.
TR
Source : MatchTV
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