Russian athlete, Yelena Isinbayeva, has created more controversy at the World Championships claiming that the assassination of state enemies on foreign soil is just part of Russian culture, and the rest of the world should just accept it.
“The use of polonium-2-10 to administer radiation directly into a person via a hot drink is just the way we deal with things in Russia” Ms Isinbayeva tols reporters. “If the person happens to be in another country, then so be it, but our traditions should be respected.”
“Murdering Russians that disagree with the state, even if they have been granted political asylum elsewhere is part of our history. That is why we don’t have many problems in Russia, and we don’t want any in the future.”
Many other athletes have condemned Ms Isinbayeva for her comments. Swedish high-jumper, Emma Green-Tregaro made her feeling known in what many are calling a visible protest to Russia’s stance on assassinations.
During her qualifying rounds, she could be seen wearing a radiation suit, although she denies this was a protest and more a statement of what she thinks.
This is the second time the Russian athlete has put her foot in it this week after appearing to take a homophobic stance in line with her government’s new laws on the promotion of homosexuality.
“I think what I said about the gays was misunderstood as English is not my first language and therefore makes me sound more bigoted than I meant to be” she said before offering all gay and lesbian athletes round to hers for a nice cup of tea.
I really don’t understand how can anyone defend Russia when seeing what’s going on right now…
You do realise this is a satirical site?
I agree that what’s happening in Russia at the moment is absolutely indefensible, but the story isn’t defending Russia at all.