Protests continue on The return. And this time, it does not only come from the public, but also from politicians. Since this Friday, the Vice-President of the Government of Asturias, Gimena Llamedoasked the team Israel-Premier Tech to withdraw from the race. According to her, this decision would be “the best for everyone, including for competition“, taking into account the war in Gaza and the protest climate aroused by the presence of the Israeli team
Video – The 11th stage was neutralized because of the demonstrations
“We cannot remain impassive in the face of the Gaza massacre”
Llamedo announced that no member of the regional executive, not even the president Adrián Barbónwill not participate in the departures or in the arrivals of the three stages provided for in the Asturian territory, including the legendary ascent of Angliru this Friday. The government explained this absence as a gesture of symbolic rejection, declaring: “We cannot remain impassive in front of the Gaza massacre.”
The vice-president also urged international sports bodies to “react” and at “take into account” of the humanitarian situation “Inhuman and unacceptable”. She recalled that, as in other recent conflicts, measures had already been taken to exclude certain countries of international competition, and asked that the same logic be applied. For example, theUCI had excluded all the Russian teams following the conflict with Ukraine.
While reaffirming its solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the Asturian government insisted on the need for demonstrations to remain peaceful, so as not to endanger the safety of runners or disturb the progress of The return.
