Dissent stirring over athletes’ freedom of expression at Beijing Olympics

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The freedom of expression of athletes taking part in the Beijing Olympics next summer has become the subject of debate in a number of countries.
     
The problem is what the athletes are allowed to say about China’s human rights situation or any other political questions during the August 2008 Games.
      Many domestic and international organisations have criticised China’s autocratic Communist Party for not having kept its promise to improve the country’s human rights situation in the run-up to the Olympics.
     
The British Olympic Committee recently issued a warning that public protesting in the Games may result in an athlete losing his or her place in the team.
      The Finnish athletes, in turn, are free to express their opinions, says Jouko Purontakanen, Secretary General of the Finnish Olympic Committee.
      "We will not be issuing instructions on the matter. The freedom of expression is a basic right that cannot be set limits to. But the starting point is that we will go to Beijing to compete, not to talk politics", Purontakanen clarifies.
     
According to the Olympic Charter, "no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas."
      In general, the Olympic Movement aims to promote global respect for "universal fundamental ethical principles".
      In Purontakanen’s view it is subject to interpretation whether talking about human rights falls under "discussing politics" mentioned in the Charter. Obviously an athlete’s involvement in a demonstration or a political campaign "would be unacceptable".
     
According to Purontakanen, the International Olympic Committee or the Chinese organisers have not issued instructions or appeals regarding the foreign athletes’ conduct in Beijing. The Chinese Embassy has nevertheless inquired about the Finnish Olympic Committee’s views on human rights issues, Purontakanen revealed.
      The sharpest international critics have called for the boycotting of the Beijing Games, in the same way that some countries boycotted Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984. The International Olympic Committee has severely rebuked such campaigning.
     
The Chinese government has in the past had a habit of rounding up and arresting domestic dissidents and activists before major events.
      Much the same is expected to happen before the Games get under way in August.
      The Chinese authorities are also keeping an eye on international NGOs and other organisations and maintaining lists of persons who might possibly seek entry to the country during the Olympics with a view to organising demonstrations or public statements on sensitive issues.
     


Previously in HS International Edition:
  The Year of the Dog - A Chinese activist´s story (22.5.2007)

Helsingin Sanomat