Ethiopian marathon runner Vijla Lilsa has returned from exile in the United States after sports officials assured him he would not face trial on his return.
Lilsa is the head of international newspapers after protesting against his government as he crossed the finish line in a race.
The famous athlete's return comes months after the reformist Prime Minister Abe Ahmed ruled the country and announced sweeping reforms.
Lillisa received a warm welcome at the airport, where he was received by the Foreign Minister and other senior officials.
Enemy said the new government was "the result of the people's struggle" and hoped to deal with the fears after years of repression.
Lilia, silver medalist at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, clasped his wrists at the finish line in the 2016 race in solidarity with protesters in his hometown of Oromia, Ethiopia.
He later said he feared prison or murder if he returned home.
