A Belarusian sprinter who had resisted her team’s attempts to send her home against her will in the middle of a public dispute is safe in the hands of Japanese authorities, the International Olympic Committee says
TOKYO—A Belarusian athlete is safe in the hands of authorities here afterto send her home against her will in the middle of a public dispute, the International Olympic Committee said Monday, as two European countries offered her shelter.
On Monday, IOC spokesman Mark Adams said the organization was in contact with sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya after she spent the night at an airport hotel. “She assured us that she feels safe and secure,” Mr. Adams told reporters. “We want to make sure she gets what she wants. We will give her support with that decision.”
Japanese government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said authorities were discussing Ms. Tsimanouskaya’s intentions with the IOC and the local organizing committee of the Games. Asked at a regular news conference whether Japan would observe the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning a refugee whose life or freedom is threatened, Mr. Kato said: “The Japanese government will take proper action, taking such laws into account.
Ms. Tsimanouskaya said Sunday that members of the Belarusian team in Tokyo took her to the airport in a bid to send her home against her will after she publicly criticized the country’s national Olympic coaches. She didn’t board the flight and appealed to the IOC for help.
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