Czech leaders rally behind NHL great Dominik Hašek after Russian threats

Dominik Hašek, the legendary Czech hockey goaltender and outspoken critic of Russia's war in Ukraine, is in contact with Czech authorities after receiving threats from former Russian President and ex-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Hašek, a former NHL star and prominent figure in international hockey, has taken the threats seriously and is in touch with the Czech Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry, and police, he told ČTK on Wednesday.

Medvedev's threats came after Hašek criticized the Washington Capital's Alex Ovechkin, who recently broke Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record, for continuing to play while the war rages on. Hašek cited Ovechkin's record-breaking achievement as an example of how sports are being exploited by Russia to promote its aggression.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský condemned Medvedev’s remarks, which were reported by the TASS news agency. Medvedev advised Hašek to be more cautious when crossing the road and drinking beer in untested places.

Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said the state could offer Hašek protection if necessary.

Hašek, 60, who has long publicly opposed the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions, including the NHL, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from Czech citizens and politicians. "First of all, I would like to thank ordinary people and politicians for the enormous support I immediately received and continue to receive," he said.

He emphasized that the support of Czech Prime Minister Fiala, Foreign Minister Lipavský, and Interior Minister Rakušan was particularly important.

Both ministries are taking the threats very seriously, and I am in contact with both, as well as with the Czech police," he said. Hašek added that he would issue a more detailed statement in the coming days.

Hašek recently sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation, referring to Medvedev’s previous threats, which Hašek had condemned as attempts to intimidate him.

Medvedev’s assistant clarified that Medvedev accused Hašek of "Russophobia" and suggested he visit a psychiatrist. Medvedev was also quoted as advising Hašek to "cross the road more carefully, not to drink beer in untested places," in what was seen as a thinly veiled threat.

Prime Minister Fiala called the threats "absolutely unacceptable" and noted that while such comments are unsurprising from Medvedev, a high-ranking Russian official, they must not be dismissed. "Medvedev is not a private person but a significant political figure, and his words confirm the aggressive and dangerous nature of Russian politics," Fiala said.

Foreign Minister Lipavský also voiced strong support for Hašek, emphasizing that Medvedev’s threats were a form of intimidation typical of Putin’s Russia, but not acceptable in civilized countries.

Interior Minister Rakušan highlighted the cultural difference between East and West.

"In the West, it is unimaginable for a government official to threaten death. In the East, it’s common, as Medvedev has shown again," he said. Rakušan also emphasized that the Czech Republic would provide protection for Hašek if necessary.

Before a cabinet meeting today, Minister Lipavský reiterated that Czech diplomacy would take action to support Hašek, as it would for any Czech citizen facing threats from abroad. While he did not disclose specific steps, Lipavský confirmed the Foreign Ministry was investigating the matter.

Transport Minister Martin Kupka called Medvedev’s remarks "absolutely outrageous," viewing them as another example of Russian verbal aggression. "Anyone who claims Russia is not a threat should reconsider after hearing these words from a high-ranking Russian official," Kupka said.

Hašek, who ran for a Senate seat last year as a candidate for the right-wing TOP 09 party, has been a vocal critic of Russian participation in international sports. He has stated that by allowing Russian athletes, including hockey players in the NHL, to compete, the league shares responsibility for the ongoing suffering caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Medvedev’s previous remarks this year regarding Czech Senator Miroslava Němcová also sparked controversy. At the time, Czech diplomacy lodged a protest with the Russian ambassador in Prague, with Foreign Minister Lipavský stating, "The Czech Republic will not be intimidated."