Dmitry Medvedev threatens Dominik Hasek over anti-war stance
- Dmitry Medvedev threatened NHL great Dominik Hasek for his criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Czech officials condemned the threats, labeling them unacceptable and a reflection of the current political climate.
- Hasek's activism has brought attention to the misuse of sports in promoting war and the need for international policies.
In early March 2023, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made threatening remarks against NHL legend Dominik Hasek due to Hasek's vocal criticism of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hasek has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine, criticizing the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions and leagues for legitimizing the war. Medvedev, now deputy head of Russia's Security Council, accused Hasek of Russophobia and advised him to be cautious about crossing streets and drinking beer in unverified places. These comments were publicized by the TASS news agency. The threats drew condemnation from Czech leaders, reflecting their government’s position on international relations with Russia amid ongoing tensions due to the war. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala labeled the threats as 'absolutely unacceptable' and emphasized that such intimidation should not be ignored since Medvedev is a prominent political figure. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavskỳ criticized the remarks as primitive and a direct attack on Hasek for expressing truths about the war and its abuse of sports. Dominik Hasek responded to the threats by informing the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation, requesting that they consider the implications of allowing Russian athletes to compete internationally while the war continues. He described Medvedev’s statements as threats to his life and communicated the urgency of establishing the right policies to ensure sports do not become tools for conveying the Russian narrative surrounding the conflict. Hasek's criticisms extended to his disapproval of the NHL for allowing Russian player Alex Ovechkin to surpass Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, stating that it sends a message supporting the Russian aggression. In light of the severity of the threats, the Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan assured that Hasek would receive the necessary protection if required. Hasek’s activism highlights the intersection of sport, politics, and international conflict, illustrating how figures in athletics can influence or symbolize broader movements against aggression and for human rights. The international sports community has been urged to take a firmer stand against the participation of Russian entities until the ongoing conflict reaches a resolution and issues surrounding human rights are satisfactorily addressed.