The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has responded to persistent human rights violations of athletes in Belarus. The IOC temporarily suspended several members of the country’s National Olympic Committee – including Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus and Chairman of the National Olympic Committee.
Lukashenko was banned from all activities and events of the IOC, including the Olympic Games. “The executive will continue to monitor the situation in Belarus and possibly take further measures or, depending on developments, lift the suspension again,” said IOC President Thomas Bach.
Lukashenko, the autocratic governing president of Belarus, is very controversial in his country and used violence against demonstrators after his re-election in the summer. 1200 representatives of the sport of Belarus signed a declaration against the president and for new elections. The IOC initiated proceedings against the NOK of Belarus at the end of November in order to be able to take measures or sanctions against the NOK.
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