Belarus appeals suspension from International Paralympic Committee

December 1, BPN. The Belarusian Paralympic Committee (BPC) has appealed to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Tribunal against Belarus’ suspension from the IPC, BPC Secretary General Mikałaj Šudzejka told journalists.

The suspension was possible after IPC Constitution was amended to empower the IPC Executive Committee to suspend or expel member associations in extraordinary circumstances, he added.

BPC Chair Aleh Šepiel noted that not all 184 committees were present at the IPC General Assembly in Berlin in mid-November that voted 54 to 45 to suspend Belarus. He noted that officials from post-Soviet countries, who could have supported Belarus, were not granted visas.

The IPC explained Belarus suspension by its inability to fulfill its obligations. It suspended Russia’s membership as well.

On February 24, Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine. Belarus allowed Russian troops and weapons to move freely through the country, use its airspace, refuel and store military equipment and attack Ukraine from its territory.

On February 28, the International Olympic Committee recommended that athletes and officials from Belarus and Russia be excluded from international competitions.