Krystsina Tsimanouskaya went to the Tokyo Olympics with dreams of representing Belarus at the world’s biggest sporting event.
But the dramatic end to her campaign has triggered a political and diplomatic dispute.
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The sprinter says Belarusian officials tried to force her to fly home when she complained about being entered into a race she had not prepared for.
She found refuge at the Polish embassy in Tokyo and was given a humanitarian visa.
As Tsimanouskaya’s case unfolded, a Belarusian activist in Ukraine was found hanged in a park.
Vitaly Shishov’s death has triggered a murder investigation.
So what do these two incidents say about human rights in Belarus?
Presenter: Hazem Sika
Guests:
Anatol Kotau – International relations manager, Belarusian Sports Solidarity Foundation
Karel Lannoo – Chief executive, Centre for European Policy Studies
Valery Tsepkalo – Belarusian opposition leader and former presidential candidate