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The Take
Another Take: You can run from Belarus, but can you hide?
Jan 25, 2025
Hanna Liubakova, a Belarusian journalist and Non-Resident Fellow at The Atlantic Council, discusses the dire political climate in Belarus. She delves into the harrowing escape of Olympic sprinter Kristina Tsimanovskaia from oppression during the Tokyo Olympics. The conversation also highlights the chilling effects of Lukashenko's regime on freedom of speech and the resilience of those standing against it. Liubakova shares insights on the human rights crisis and the emotional struggles faced by exiles navigating their new realities.
24:58
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Quick takeaways
- Belarusian athletes like Kristina Timonovskaya exemplify the severe risks and repercussions faced under an oppressive regime that endangers their freedom and safety.
- The political environment in Belarus remains perilous, as widespread repression leads to both local and international threats against dissenters, complicating resistance efforts.
Deep dives
The Peril of Belarusian Athletes under a Dictatorship
Belarusian athletes, like Kristina Timonovskaya, face significant risks when their government interferes with their sports careers, revealing the oppressive environment in the country. During the Tokyo Olympics, Timonovskaya was ordered to withdraw from events without any explanation, prompting her to speak out against her coaches on social media. This act of defiance resulted in a hostile response, as she was warned that returning to Belarus would likely lead to her imprisonment or worse. Instead, she sought help from the Japanese authorities, ultimately escaping to Poland to continue her athletic pursuits while reflecting on the broader dangers faced by athletes under an authoritarian regime.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode