(ABC 6 News) -- The cousin of an Ethiopian silver medalist from the 2016 Olympics says his cousin now faces imprisonment or death if he returns to his home country, after showing a sign of solidarity as he crossed the finish line.
Feyisa Lilesa finished the race with his arms crossed above his head. By doing this it showed he stands with the people's protest in the regional state of Oromia in Ethiopia; who have been protesting for their human rights for years against the Ethiopian government.
"If my cousin or this Feyisa Lilesa goes back to Oromia, or Ethiopia, immediately they are going to kill him, immediately,” said Worku Fufa, Lilesa’s cousin. "We know about that because Feyisa Liesa, he tried to show to whole world what Ethiopian government is doing in Ethiopia. That's why they're going to kill him."
Fufa now lives in Rochester with his wife and child. He went to Jimma University in Ethiopia and said during his time there he protested against the government. He says they kicked out one of his bottom teeth and shot him in the leg.
"It's very dangerous, living in Ethiopia is very dangerous," said Fufa.
According to a GoFundMe page, that has raised more than $150, 000 for Lilesa, he is trying to seek asylum in another country. His family still lives in Ethiopia, and the money will help them leave the country to join him. Read more here
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