Feyisa Lilesa won the silver medal for Ethiopia in the marathon but is too scared to return to his country for fear he will be killed or jailed there.

Lilesa crossed the finish line with his wrists crossed high in the air as a protest. He also challenged the world community for supporting a killing regime in his country.

Moment of protest: Ethiopia's Feyisa Lilesa crosses his arms as he crosses the finish line. Credit:AP

Afterwards he said he was protesting to support family members who were illegally jailed in Ethiopia for protesting the government there.

"I was protesting for my people," Lilesa said.