NOC of Kosovo urges IOC to punish Djokovic for political statements at Roland Garros
The President of the National Olympic Committee of Kosovo, Ismet Krasniqi, called for the punishment of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic for his political statements at Roland Garros. His words are given on the website of the organization.
Krasniqi appealed to the International Olympic Committee and the International Tennis Federation with a request to respond to the athlete’s act. “What happened at the French Open is perceived as a violation of sports principles and the Olympic spirit, as a violation of the Olympic Charter,” he said and called Djokovic’s behavior unacceptable.
Earlier, the Minister of Sports of France, Amelie Oudea-Castera, commented on the situation. She called Djokovic’s statement belligerent and deemed it inappropriate.
On May 29, Djokovic, after defeating American Alexander Kovacevic in the first round, wrote on the camera the phrase “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence.” Later, the athlete said that he would do it again, despite possible sanctions.
On May 29, NATO forces in Kosovo and Metohija (KFOR) blocked the approach to the administration buildings in the north of the country. Near the cordons of KFOR and special units of the unrecognized Kosovo, people gathered, demanding to let them go to work and take the Pristina police out of the municipality buildings. NATO forces let the Serbian protesters pass, and the Kosovo police sprayed tear gas in their direction.
Source: Lenta
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
