Nobody knows Ovi's motivations and history, and that's the problem with labelling him in any way. It's well documented his brother was killed. Was it by a rival party which is why he liked Putin? Who knows? Was Putin as dangerous 10 years ago compared to now? Probably moreso now. Would it create nationwide headlines if he just changed his picture? Probably. Would it put his family and those around him in harms way at the mere suggestion he's no longer supporting Putin? Perhaps.
I do believe people should stand up to human rights issues but who are we from the outside to understand the risk he may be taking in what seems to us like a small gesture? If anything, Putin has shown he wipes out people against him. If a high profile person does the same I'd wager there's a target on him. He's been silent and has said he doesn't want war. Read into that what you will. While hockey is just a sport, I'm hoping he breaks that record handily.
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