Lithuanian police probe alleged racist sabotage at powerlifting championship

Lithuanian police opened a racism investigation after a safety crew member admitted on Instagram to deliberately interfering with a Black athlete’s squat attempt.

Lithuanian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into alleged racist conduct at the June Powerlifting Championships after assistant Ernestas Kusinas posted on Instagram that he deliberately sabotaged a lift. Kusinas, a member of the safety crew, placed his knee under the barbell of Belgian champion Sonita Muluh, causing a failed 334.5-kg squat. The Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation referred the case to police and suspended Kusinas from all events; the International Powerlifting Federation issued a statement condemning racism and hateful behavior.

Video footage captured Kusinas interfering with multiple athletes, including a Swedish lifter, a fact missed by judges at the time. Muluh’s partner, Kristof De Coninck, said the interference risked serious injury and supported the police inquiry, while also preparing a complaint with the IPF. Police said the probe will focus on the Instagram message and the championship actions, with a possible two-year prison term.