Ethiopian Marathoner Feyisa Lilesa won a silver medal on the last day of the Rio Olympics on Sunday, but made a political statement that has turned him from a national hero to a man who might be thrown to jail or even killed if he lands back in Addis Ababa.

As he crossed the finish line behind Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, Lilesa crossed his arms in the ‘X’ sign that members of his Oromo tribe have been using for months since the Oromo protests started in November 2015.

Social media went viral with images of Lilesa as Oromo dissidents outside the African nation celebrated their new hero.

He however acknowledges the bold step he took in solidarity with his community back home has landed him in serious trouble with the government that has reportedly killed hundreds of Oromo people and jailed scores of others.

“If I go back to Ethiopia maybe they will kill me. If not kill me, they will put me in prison,” The Washington Post quoted Lilesa at a news conference minutes after winning the silver medal.

In a move that confirms his fears, the state broadcaster in Addis Ababa did not air a replay of his finish.

After his defiant move, Lilesa reiterated that the Ethiopian government has jailed innocent Oromos and killed those who dare question the violation of their democratic rights.

He added that he might go to Kenya or United States of America but remains fearful over the safety of his wife and two children who are currently in Ethiopia.

In a similar move, the US suspended John Carlos and Tommie Smith from Olympic team to the 1968 Games in Mexico after they raised their fists in the black power salute.

The two received death threats on returning home.

Since 2014, the Oromo community, the largest ethnic group in the Horn of African nation has staged protests across the nation against marginalization and plans to expand to extend the administrative mandate of Addis Ababa into the neighboring Oromia region.

University students started the protests that have since pulled the entire community together in violent confrontations that have drawn concern from the international community.

Security forces have killed at least 400 people since the protests began, according to Human Rights Watch, reported BBC.

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) is yet to take a stand on its intended action against the runner for the sporting violation.

The IOC Charter prohibits political statements by athletes and players during its sanctioned competitions.