The Belarusian president is urging his athletes to "smash the faces" of their opponents at the Olympics

Of Le Figaro with AFP

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Belarusian athletes will participate under a neutral banner in the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
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Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus, urged his athletes to “smash the faces” of their opponents, before adding: “Show them you are a real Belarusian.”

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday ordered Belarusian athletes participating in the Paris Olympics under neutral status to “break your face” of their opponents.

“If you have made your choice and you go there under neutral status, beat them up, show them that you are a real Belarusian”declared Mr. Lukashenko, quoted in a press release from the presidency, while Belarus is excluded as a state from the Games because of its support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In late March, the IOC announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes would not be able to parade during the opening ceremony in Paris.

This ban is in addition to their obligation to participate under a neutral banner, provided they have not openly supported the attack on Ukraine. The Russian and Belarusian anthems will also not be able to be played.

During a visit to the Belarusian region of Mogilev, residents asked Alexander Lukashenko what he thought of this participation under neutral status, according to a report published on the website of the Belarusian presidency.

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“It is up to the athlete to choose. If he decides to participate in the Olympics, he will be even tougher. Because you understand that state of mind and anger are no less important in sports.reacted Mr. Lukashenko.

Aryna Sabalenka (the world number 2 in tennis) will be one of Belarus’ big medal chances at the next Olympic Games.
Violeta Santos Moura / REUTERS

“You’re Belarusians, and when you emerge victorious, it’s a good way for us to smack them in the face politically”he insisted.

Mr. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, has eradicated all forms of opposition in his country, suppressing a peaceful mass movement in 2020.

He is also used to making sweeping declarations and outbursts, such as when he paraded in front of protesters opposed to his power, Kalashnikov in hand, and called them names. “roots”.

In February 2022, he opened Belarus to the Russian army so that it could invade Ukraine from the north.

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