In a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that many Russian athletes competing in the Olympics have supported the invasion of Ukraine.

This revelation has sparked outrage, especially given the tragic loss of over 450 Ukrainian athletes due to the ongoing conflict.

The prospect of Ukrainian competitors sharing the stage with Russians who allegedly back the invasion has heightened tensions as the Games approach.

Among those causing concern is Russian tennis star Elena Vesnina, who reportedly liked social media posts celebrating the Russian military’s actions and displaying the pro-war ‘Z’ symbol.

Human rights researchers have highlighted these actions as part of a broader pattern of support for the war, further aggravating the situation.

Paris 2024 Preparations and Challenges

Meanwhile, as the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, the city’s mayor, Anne Hidalgo, has made headlines by taking a swim in the Seine River.

Her goal was to prove that the river, which has been off-limits for swimming for a century, is now safe for the upcoming events.

Despite her claims of its purity, there are still concerns about the river’s suitability for hosting swimming competitions.

Controversial Participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes

Following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia and Belarus were purportedly banned from international sports.

However, 59 athletes from these countries have been allowed to compete as neutrals.

They are barred from displaying national flags or anthems.

Out of these, 31 athletes have accepted the invitation, but troubling reports suggest that ten out of 15 Russian athletes and seven out of 16 Belarusian athletes have shown support for the war, breaching the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) neutrality guidelines.

Calls for Action and IOC’s Response

Global Rights Compliance, a human rights organization, has compiled evidence of social media posts supporting the war, accusing the IOC of ignoring these violations.

Russian cyclist Alena Ivanchenko and Belarusian athletes like rower Yauheni Zalaty, who is also a junior sergeant, are among those implicated.

Wayne Jordash KC, the president of Global Rights Compliance, and legal adviser Jeremy Pizzi have called for the IOC to ban all athletes who support the war.

In response, the IOC has stated it cannot comment on individual cases but assured that its independent panel has reviewed the athletes according to its principles.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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