Why Feyisa Lilesa's gesture was such a brave - and important - moment
 

Why Feyisa Lilesa's gesture was such a brave - and important - moment
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To most spectators of the Olympic men's marathon Sunday, it looked like a standard gesture of jubilation from Ethiopia's Feyisa Lilesa as he crossed the line to win silver.

But to anyone familiar with the political situation in Ethiopia, his arms aloft pose meant something much more brave and important: a defiant stance that could spell danger for him but has drawn international attention to an important issue.

SEE ALSO: Runner's brave gesture at the Rio Olympics could cost him his life


Lilesa made a cross over his head with his forearms as he clocked in at 2 hours, 9 minutes and 54 seconds in front of the world's media, and repeated it again during a press conference after the event. The images were beamed across the globe, and to anyone watching in his home country the message was clear. Read more...

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