Russian athlete Ivan Kuliak was sentenced to one year in prison for wearing the letter “Z” in support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine during an event in Qatar in March, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has confirmed.
According to the Guardian, the 20-year-old, who won bronze in the parallel at the World Cup in Doha, showed the letter as he stood on the podium next to Ukrainian gold medalist Ilya Kovtum.
Kuliak finished third in the parallel bars final, behind Ukrainian Kovtum. The Russian gymnast had the “Z” stuck on the front of his T-shirt, which is a symbol of victory seen on the tanks that took part in the invasion of Ukraine and was allegedly worn by supporters of Vladimir Putin.
Russian forces used the letter “Z” as a identification symbol on their vehicles in Ukraine after the invasion, which Moscow calls a “special military operation.” Supporters of the invasion have also used the signal.
“Mr. Kuliak violated the FIG statutes, the FIG code of conduct, the FIG code of conduct, the FIG code of conduct and the FIG technical regulations when he wore the letter ‘Z’ on his uniform,” the governing body said. in a statement. . “He is not allowed to participate in any event or competition approved by FIG organized by an affiliated FIG member federation for one year from the date of this decision.”
Kuliak claimed he would always support peace. «I saw it with our army and looked up what this symbol means. It is about victory and peace“, He added.
“I did not wish anything bad on anyone, I just showed my position,” he said.
Guardian
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