PRAGUE — Czech officials have voiced their outrage over menacing statements aimed at former hockey star Dominik Hasek, who has been a fervent critic of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The comments, which have been linked to Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president who currently serves as deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, allege that Hasek harbors “Russophobia.” Medvedev, through his aide, also suggested that Hasek should exercise caution while crossing streets and avoid consuming beer in unreliable locales.
Reported Tuesday by the TASS news agency, these threats also recommended Hasek, an inductee in the Hockey Hall of Fame, to seek psychological help. The remarks drew sharp criticism from Czech politicians. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala posted on social media platform X, denouncing the threats as “absolutely unacceptable” and underscoring that despite Medvedev’s provocations being predictable, they must be addressed seriously due to his influential position.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský joined the condemnation on Wednesday, labeling Medvedev’s actions as “primitive.” Lipavský highlighted that Medvedev was targeting Hasek for merely voicing factual statements regarding Russia’s conflict and the exploitation of sports as propaganda tools. He noted that while intimidation tactics may be typical in Russian politics, they are not tolerated in a civilized society.
Dominik Hasek has consistently criticized the war and has spoken out against allowing Russian athletes to participate in international sports events, including the NHL, arguing that it condones the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and contributes to human suffering. Furthermore, Hasek expressed disapproval over the NHL permitting Alex Ovechkin to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record of 894 goals.
In reaction to these developments, Hasek reached out to the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation, alerting them to what he described as a death threat from Medvedev. Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan assured Hasek that he would be provided with necessary security measures if required.