International Tennis Federation will not penalize Djokovic for political statement
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) appreciated the political statement of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros. It is reported by Reuters.
The ITF will not penalize an athlete for his statement in support of the Kosovo Serbs. They emphasized that the rules of conduct for tennis players in Grand Slam tournaments are governed by a set of rules. “It does not contain provisions prohibiting political speech,” the organization added.
On May 29, Djokovic, after defeating American Alexander Kovacevic in the first round of Roland Garros, wrote on the camera the phrase “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence.” French Sports Minister Amelie Oudéa-Castera called the tennis player’s statement belligerent and considered it inappropriate.
On May 29, the NATO forces in Kosovo and Metohija (KFOR) blocked the approach to the administration buildings in the north of the country. People gathered near the KFOR cordons and special units of the unrecognized Kosovo, demanding to be allowed to work and to withdraw the Pristina police from the municipality buildings. NATO forces let the Serbian protesters pass, and the Kosovo police sprayed tear gas in their direction.
Source: Lenta
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