Italy opposes Paralympics allowing Russia and Belarus to use flags, anthems

The two countries had been banned following the invasion of Ukraine, but had their rights restored last year.

Olympic hosts Italy called for a reversal of the decision to let 10 ⁠Russian and Belarusian athletes compete with national flags and anthems at next month’s Paralympic Games.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi urged the International Paralympic Committee to reconsider its ⁠stance due to Russia’s four-year-old invasion of Ukraine, saying on Thursday it contradicted the Olympic spirit.

The Italian government expressed its “absolute opposition” to the IPC’s ruling in September, they said in a statement late on Wednesday, adding that Rome’s stance echoed that of 33 other countries and the European Commission.

“Russia’s ‌continued violation of the truce and Olympic and Paralympic ideals, supported by Belarus, is incompatible with the participation of their athletes in the Games, except as neutral individual athletes,” the statement said.

Russia’s embassy in Italy said it was unacceptable to target athletes with disabilities. “The harsh and undiplomatic stance taken by the two Italian politicians, backed by the authority of the government they represent, is offensive and deserves widespread condemnation,” it ⁠said on Telegram.