Sofiia. It depends on whether they can prove that it was not deliberate act. They could refer to Sergaeva's comment, which were made before case, but she literally says, "Sofiia probably got a little confused during awards ceremony". These are Sergeeva’s personal opinions, not an explanation of situation, and therefore are not admissible as evidence.
Situation for Russia is complicated by fact that video shows Sofiia looking away, and Ukrainian side will certainly argue that Sofiia saw that she needed to turn but deliberately chose not.
Fan videos from the venue show Sofiia clapping for Taisiia, which could mean that she respects Taisiia and did it by accident. But maybe not, because in this case, it’s not just about respect for Taisiia. It would have been much easier if Sofiia had just apologized before case even began.
What definitely shouldn't say is, "Yes, I saw Taisiia turn around, but I thought it was just her", or "I didn't turn around because I don't think it's necessary to turn toward neutral flag". That's like admitting guilt.
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And reason I started all this in first place - bullying.
To start - both federations could receive letter from FIG regarding behavior of their fans, just as happened with Bulgaria.
Ukrainian federation and Taisiia. No, it's really hard to call their behavior bullying. Neither Taisiia nor federation called for Sofiia to be bullied, complained about her actions, or insulted her.
Taisiia mainly reposted situation itself: "Neutral athlete didn't turn toward flag". Was there neutral athlete there? Yes. Did she not turn toward flag? Technically, she was just standing there, but result is same, so yes.
Taisiia had only 2 reposts that relevant: first contains phrase "forcing to stand along neutral athlete" - which is discrimination; and "rotten core of neutral Russians" - which is also discrimination. But 2 posts are not enough to constitute organized bullying. Furthermore, last is not an insult, as many people think. There are criteria for insult. It would be insult if she had said, "Sofiia is rotten Russian", but she didn’t.
In short, the most she’ll get is warning or fine.
Russian federation. Federation itself does nothing and bears no more responsibility for fans and media than Ukrainian federation does. However, they can control individuals who are directly or indirectly associated with them and who insult Taisiia and call others to complain about her (and this can truly be called organized bullying). And if this connection is proven, and it’s also proven that they did nothing about it - these people will get suspension, Russia will get fine, and… um… I was going to say sanctions or suspension, but they’re already, so…
___
Main thing I want to say is this: the best thing you can do for Taisiia and Sofiia right now is not to start a scandal online, but simply shut up and wait for GEF’s decision.
Situation for Russia is complicated by fact that video shows Sofiia looking away, and Ukrainian side will certainly argue that Sofiia saw that she needed to turn but deliberately chose not.
Fan videos from the venue show Sofiia clapping for Taisiia, which could mean that she respects Taisiia and did it by accident. But maybe not, because in this case, it’s not just about respect for Taisiia. It would have been much easier if Sofiia had just apologized before case even began.
What definitely shouldn't say is, "Yes, I saw Taisiia turn around, but I thought it was just her", or "I didn't turn around because I don't think it's necessary to turn toward neutral flag". That's like admitting guilt.
____
And reason I started all this in first place - bullying.
To start - both federations could receive letter from FIG regarding behavior of their fans, just as happened with Bulgaria.
Ukrainian federation and Taisiia. No, it's really hard to call their behavior bullying. Neither Taisiia nor federation called for Sofiia to be bullied, complained about her actions, or insulted her.
Taisiia mainly reposted situation itself: "Neutral athlete didn't turn toward flag". Was there neutral athlete there? Yes. Did she not turn toward flag? Technically, she was just standing there, but result is same, so yes.
Taisiia had only 2 reposts that relevant: first contains phrase "forcing to stand along neutral athlete" - which is discrimination; and "rotten core of neutral Russians" - which is also discrimination. But 2 posts are not enough to constitute organized bullying. Furthermore, last is not an insult, as many people think. There are criteria for insult. It would be insult if she had said, "Sofiia is rotten Russian", but she didn’t.
In short, the most she’ll get is warning or fine.
Russian federation. Federation itself does nothing and bears no more responsibility for fans and media than Ukrainian federation does. However, they can control individuals who are directly or indirectly associated with them and who insult Taisiia and call others to complain about her (and this can truly be called organized bullying). And if this connection is proven, and it’s also proven that they did nothing about it - these people will get suspension, Russia will get fine, and… um… I was going to say sanctions or suspension, but they’re already, so…
___
Main thing I want to say is this: the best thing you can do for Taisiia and Sofiia right now is not to start a scandal online, but simply shut up and wait for GEF’s decision.