Tokyo 2021: Poland offers asylum to Belarusian athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya
The Polish Embassy in Japan, where Belarusian athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya applied for and obtained a visa to escape forced return to her country, on August 2, 2021 in Tokyo.
AFP - YUKI IWAMURA
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2 min
Poland granted a humanitarian visa to Krystsina Tsimanouskaya.
This Belarusian athlete had been driven to Tokyo airport in the middle of the Olympic Games for a forced return to her country after criticizing coaches from her delegation, but had refused to board for fear of being put in prison on her arrival.
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With our correspondent in Warsaw,
Sarah Bakaloglou
A humanitarian visa and the possibility of continuing her sports career in Poland if she wishes.
This is what the Polish Foreign Ministry offered.
The 24-year-old sprinter should arrive in Warsaw this week, according to the NGO the Belarusian Sports Solidarity Federation.
The young woman had gone to the Polish embassy in Japan during the day.
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To listen: Poland, refuge of the Belarusian opposition
Aid from Warsaw is not surprising.
It is part of its policy of supporting the Belarusian opposition, especially after the contested re-election of leader Alexander Lukashenko last year.
Poland has welcomed thousands of Belarusians fleeing the regime's repression via land or air borders, making it easier to obtain visas.
Lukashenko accuses Warsaw of interference
The country has also increased assistance programs for students and entrepreneurs.
Asylum applications have increased dramatically, reaching 700 so far this year.
What arouse criticism of the Minsk regime when the Polish minority in Belarus has been taken to task in recent months.
Alexander Lukashenko accused Poland of interference and of wanting to destabilize the country.
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To read also: Tokyo 2021: Belarusian Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, sprinter forced into exile
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