Boris Nemtsov calls to boycott Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk

• 17.07.2013, 15:18

One of the leaders of Russian opposition thinks that western sportsmen and politicians shouldn't come to Minsk.

The shouldn't come until Lukashenka releases political prisoners, Boris Nemtsov says. The politician calls to boycott the 2014 Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk.

Boris Nemtsov made this statement at the conference “Through Barriers” in Warsaw, Polskie Radio reports.

“They must say: We won't come to you unless you release all political prisoners. The Swedes, the world ice hockey champions, must be the first to say it. They are good human rights activists. They must be the first to say: 'Listen to us. We won't come to you. All [political prisoners] must be freed tomorrow!' This is the only way of communication with him [Lukashenka]. Political correctness and talks about the Eastern Partnership programme are stupidity,” Boris Nemtsov said.

Lukashenka received the right to host the championship in 2009. The event is scheduled for May 9 – May 25 in Minsk Arena and Chizhovka (Zhyzhouka) Arena.

Human rights groups and international organisations stand against holding the championship in Belarus due to human rights violations and political prisoners. Many European and American politicians supported the idea of moving the event to another country. Some countries threatened to boycott the championship in Minsk if the Belarusian authorities don't stop repression.