Victoria Azarenka and compatriots talk raise their voice on the Belarus protests

Several top tennis players from Belarus have spoken out about the recent violent clashes in the country. 

Thousands of demonstrators have come on to the streeets of Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, to protest police violence against peaceful demonstrators earlier this week, who were protesting against the disputed presidential elections in the country earlier in the month.

Belarussians have demanded the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been ruling the country for 26 years and have claimed that the election was rigged. Lukashenko was first elected in 1994 and has ruled for 26 years. The results of every election in the country since then have been disputed. 

Victoria Azarenka and other tennis players on the Belarus protests

Here is a look at what some of the players had to say about the Belarus protests

Victoria Azarenka - I love my Motherland Belarus very much and I pray to all the warring parties to stop violence and unrest and move on to peace negotiations. This is the only way to resolve the differences that have arisen and return to a peaceful life. I wish Peace and prosperity to our Beloved Motherland

        View this post on Instagram                  

Я очень люблю свою Родину Беларусь и молю все противоборствующие стороны остановить насилие и беспорядки и перейти к мирным переговорам. Только таким путем можно разрешить возникшие разногласия и вернуться к мирной жизни. Я желаю Мира и процветания нашей Любимой Родине!

A post shared by Victoria Azarenka (@vichka35) on Aug 14, 2020 at 10:59am PDT

Vera Lapko, another player from Belarus on the WTA Tour, - "Belarusians! Don't be afraid! There are a lot of people! It seems that the situation is calm: no one beats anyone, Minsk is not being turned upside down. I have not felt so good for a long time! Belarusians, my family, you are incredible! Thank you for your boundless energy, spirit and decisive attitude! You gave me one of the best days in my life, I am beginning to believe in people and that together we can do a lot! Only forward! I love everyone

        View this post on Instagram                      

A post shared by Vera Lapko (@veralapko) on Aug 14, 2020 at 10:25am PDT

Belarus Ilya Ivashka, who plays on the ATP Tour - says, "It is impossible and simply scary to look at what has happened in recent days. It's hard to find the words. Not a single person deserves such an attitude and such treatment. Belarusians are the most peaceful and kind people. I hope that all this will end very soon"

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Невозможно и просто страшно смотреть на то, что происходило в последние дни .Тяжело подобрать слова.Ни один человек не заслужил к себе такого отношения и такого обращения.Белорусы - самый мирный и добрый народ.Надеюсь, что это все очень скоро прекратится.

A post shared by Ilya Ivashka (@ilyaivashka) on Aug 14, 2020 at 2:17pm PDT

Even Australian tennis player Daria Gavrilova raised her voice on the issue.

“Now they will say:“ What do you care, Australian? ”But I still really hope that the police arbitrariness will end,” Gavrilova wrote on Instagram.

Сейчас скажут "какое тебе дело, Австралийка?" Но все равно, очень надеюсь, что полицейский произвол закончится. 🇧🇾 https://t.co/a8fuFRQZhs

— Daria Gavrilova (@Daria_gav) August 14, 2020

Victoria Azarenka recently played the WTA event in Lexington where she was beaten in the first round by former World No. 1 Venus Williams.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2FwXy2w