Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador
NAM emphasizes the importance of the International Athletics Federation making a decisive ruling to suspend Yuri Moisevich, the former head coach of the Belarusian athletics team, from participating in sports for a period of five years.
Since 2021, NAM legal team has been supporting the consideration of a disciplinary case in order to protect the rights of Belarusian athlete Kristina Timanovskaya and to hold the sports official accountable for violating the athlete's rights before the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and the Disciplinary Tribunal of the International Athletics Federation.
The Disciplinary Tribunal found Yuri Moisevich in breach of the standards of conduct outlined in the Code of Conduct, as his actions were deemed to be "a clear violation of the athlete's dignity and an abuse of [...] power."
AIU’s Chairman David Howman stated, “This decision signifies a significant step forward for athlete rights in athletics and serves as a clear indication that the AIU will do everything in its power to safeguard those rights and the fundamental values of the sport.”
The National Anti-Crisis Management underscores the importance of concluding the disciplinary proceedings and issuing a specific disciplinary decision. NAM has provided assistance in matters concerning the evacuation of Kristina Timanovskaya from Tokyo, her legalization in Poland, and subsequent legal support before international sports authorities.
Pavel Latushka, the Head of NAM and deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet, commented:
“Despite the fact that the case to protect the rights of athlete Kristina Timanovskaya has been ongoing since 2021, the International Athletics Federation has reached a decision to suspend Yuri Moisevich for a period of five years, which means that justice is inevitable.”
As we approach the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, I would like to once again draw the attention of the international sports community to the widespread repression against civil society in Belarus. Among the 1,400 political prisoners languishing in the dungeons of the Lukashenko regime, there are approximately 30 Belarusian athletes and sports professionals who are subjected to constant torture. Under such circumstances, I consider the participation of regime-affiliated athletes in the 2024 Olympics to be unacceptable."
Comments