In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule
2 years, 10 months ago

In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule

Associated Press  

His collar turned up against the cold, the head of the International Olympic Committee looked out over the stadium and spoke of the ideals that had brought together athletes from all over the world. The Olympic mission is clear, he said: “Always building bridges, never erecting walls.” Critics of Bach and the IOC say those ideals are nonsense, and talk of respect and bridge-building is overshadowed by Olympic officials cozying up to some of the world’s most powerful authoritarian rulers. The IOC’s “failure to publicly confront Beijing’s serious human rights violations makes a mockery of its own commitments and claims that the Olympics are a ‘force for good,’” Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch, said shortly before the Games opened. Some rights activists are calling these Olympics the “Genocide Games,” and leaders of a string of democratic nations, including the U.S., Great Britain, Australia and Canada, are avoiding the Games, citing either Beijing’s human rights violations or its sweeping coronavirus restrictions. Putin, for instance, attended the Games’ opening even though sports sanctions mean the country’s team must play as the “Russian Olympic Committee” because of a sophisticated doping scheme.

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History of this topic

IOC chief Thomas Bach slams sport’s ‘politicisation’ over Russia
1 year, 8 months ago

IOC chief Thomas Bach slams sport’s ‘politicisation’ over Russia

Firstpost  

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach on Thursday said it was “deplorable” that several European countries had criticised a move to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes to world sporting competition. “It is deplorable to see that some governments do not want to respect the majority within the Olympic movement, nor the autonomy of sport,” Bach told reporters, following a three-day …

IOC’s Bach says Olympics on history’s side in Russia issue
1 year, 10 months ago

IOC’s Bach says Olympics on history’s side in Russia issue

Associated Press  

COURCHEVEL, France — Insisting sports had to respect the human rights of all athletes, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach on Sunday denied that the organization was on the wrong side of history by helping Russians and Belarusians qualify for the 2024 Paris Summer Games. “Our role is bringing people together.” Bach spoke with international media ahead of the men’s …

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022: Event closes after golden moments and doping storm
2 years, 10 months ago

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022: Event closes after golden moments and doping storm

Firstpost  

As President Xi Jinping declared the Games over and handed over to 2026 hosts Milano-Cortina, the International Olympic Committee president Bach hailed an “unforgettable Olympic experience” Beijing, China: The Beijing Winter Olympics have closed with IOC chief Thomas Bach hailing a smoothly run event and a “safe Games” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the gold medals were …

Another Beijing Olympics with human rights still major issue
2 years, 10 months ago

Another Beijing Olympics with human rights still major issue

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ai helped design the famous Bird’s Nest stadium that …

China human rights: Beijing clamps down on dissent as Olympics heat up
2 years, 10 months ago

China human rights: Beijing clamps down on dissent as Olympics heat up

CNN  

Beijing CNN — As Winter Olympians vie for gold in Beijing, global attention has turned to events in the extensive Olympic “bubble” – a zone sealing off visiting athletes, media and participants from the rest of the host city to prevent the spread of Covid-19. “In China, people like me are called ‘domestic hostile forces’… that’s why they have to …

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022: In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule
2 years, 10 months ago

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022: In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule

Firstpost  

The IOC knows that Beijing has locked up hundreds of thousands of minority Uighur Muslims, those critics say, and arrested countless people who dared voice criticism of the government. The Olympic mission is clear, he said: “Always building bridges, never erecting walls.” Critics of Bach and the IOC say those ideals are nonsense, and talk of respect and bridge-building is …

Top Asian News 4:55 a.m. GMT
2 years, 10 months ago

Top Asian News 4:55 a.m. GMT

Associated Press  

Myanmar villagers say army troops burned 400 houses BANGKOK — Residents of two villages in northwestern Myanmar said government soldiers burned down hundreds of houses this week, apparently while searching for members of an armed militia opposed to military rule. “And it’s a very cool sense of belonging in a way, to just be on the same soil that your …

Another Beijing Olympics with human rights still major issue
2 years, 10 months ago

Another Beijing Olympics with human rights still major issue

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Beijing was awarded the 2008 Summer Olympics, largely under the assumption that the Games would improve civil liberties in the country. Ai helped design the famous Bird’s Nest stadium that was used in the 2008 Games — hoping it would signify a new openness — and then regretted doing so, calling it and the Olympics China’s “fake smile.” …

The ‘Feel Guilty Games’?: China human rights issues have forever marked the Beijing Olympics
2 years, 10 months ago

The ‘Feel Guilty Games’?: China human rights issues have forever marked the Beijing Olympics

LA Times  

The rulebook for the Olympics — called the Olympic Charter — contains numerous bylaws meant to foster “political neutrality.” No protesting on the field of play, no wearing of symbols or flashing hand gestures. At the Tokyo Olympics last summer, the U.S. women’s soccer team kneeled before games and shot putter Raven Saunders crossed her arms overhead on the medals …

Speak out against 'genocide games': Activists urge athletes participating in Beijing Olympics
2 years, 10 months ago

Speak out against 'genocide games': Activists urge athletes participating in Beijing Olympics

Firstpost  

Over a million Uyghurs have been confined in reeducation camps in Xinjiang region of China. Activists say China is trying to whitewash this repression of Uyghurs, referred as ‘genocide’ by US, through the Games Beijing: Human rights activists issued a call to action against the Beijing Olympics on Friday, imploring athletes and sponsors to speak out against what they call …

Activists urge athletes to speak out at Beijing Olympics
2 years, 10 months ago

Activists urge athletes to speak out at Beijing Olympics

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Human rights activists issued a call to action against the Beijing Olympics on Friday, imploring athletes and sponsors to speak out against what they call the “genocide games.” Speaking at an online press conference organized by the rights group Human Rights Watch, activists representing Chinese dissidents and the minority Uyghur and Tibetan populations urged international attendants to voice …

Tough trip to China ahead, Anderson sees gift of world stage
2 years, 10 months ago

Tough trip to China ahead, Anderson sees gift of world stage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It can feel very powerless when you read those …

Beijing 2022: Athletes warned about speaking out on human rights
2 years, 11 months ago

Beijing 2022: Athletes warned about speaking out on human rights

Al Jazeera  

Behaviour by athletes that violates the “Olympic spirit” or Chinese rules could be subject to punishment, a Beijing 2022 official said, after rights groups voiced concern about the safety of competitors if they protest at next month’s Winter Olympics. ‘Sportswashing’ Meanwhile on Wednesday, human rights group Amnesty International warned that the international community must not allow China to use the …

Olympic athletes urged by activists not to criticize China
2 years, 11 months ago

Olympic athletes urged by activists not to criticize China

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Athletes at the Beijing Olympics were urged by human rights activists Tuesday to avoid criticizing China because they could be prosecuted. The IOC has not yet publicly committed to how athletes who speak out would be protected, activists said in a briefing hosted by Human Rights Watch. “We know the human rights record and the allowance of freedom …

Olympic athletes urged by activists not to criticize China
2 years, 11 months ago

Olympic athletes urged by activists not to criticize China

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Athletes at the Beijing Olympics were urged by …

The ugly side to China hosting the Olympics has taken center stage. What happens now?
2 years, 11 months ago

The ugly side to China hosting the Olympics has taken center stage. What happens now?

LA Times  

Beijing might have seemed like the best option at the time. “This is really a safe choice,” IOC president Thomas Bach said, predicting the winner could reliably “deliver on its promises.” Seven years later, as the Feb. 4 opening ceremony draws near, Bach and his colleagues still are paying the price for selecting a host country with a reputation for …

IOC has acted irresponsibly in Peng Shuai case, says Sport & Rights Alliance
3 years ago

IOC has acted irresponsibly in Peng Shuai case, says Sport & Rights Alliance

The Hindu  

The International Olympic Committee has acted irresponsibly in regard to missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, the Sport & Rights Alliance said on Wednesday. IOC President Thomas Bach said Peng was safe and well after a 30-minute phone call with her on November 21, after Western governments and the global tennis community expressed concern for her wellbeing. "The behavior of …

Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years, 1 month ago

Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics

Associated Press  

Leading sponsors of the Beijing Winter Olympics should explain why they remain largely silent about alleged human rights abuses in China with the Games opening there in just under three months, Human Rights Watch said Friday. The letters asked sponsors to be aware of the rights climate in China, and to scrutinize supply chains and other operations to assure they …

Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years, 1 month ago

Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics

The Hindu  

Leading sponsors of the Beijing Winter Olympics should explain why they remain largely silent about alleged human rights abuses in China with the Games opening there in just under three months, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. The letters asked sponsors to be aware of the rights climate in China, and to scrutinize supply chains and other operations to assure …

Beijing Olympics get ‘gold for repression’ in labor report
3 years, 1 month ago

Beijing Olympics get ‘gold for repression’ in labor report

Associated Press  

A global trade union body has joined a long list of human-rights advocates in challenging the propriety of China holding the 2022 Winter Olympics and has singled out the International Olympic Committee for acquiescing in the face of alleged genocide and crimes against humanity reportedly taking place in the host country. The Belgium-based International Trade Union Confederation issued its report …

USOPC to educate athletes on global issues ahead of Beijing Games
3 years, 2 months ago

USOPC to educate athletes on global issues ahead of Beijing Games

The Hindu  

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said on Tuesday it will prioritise educating its athletes on global issues ahead of the 2022 Beijing Olympics where some could enter the debate about China's human rights record. "We are trying to provide information for athletes across a variety of topics and choices," USOPC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hirshland said. Hirshland also …

IOC VP: Chinese human rights not a concern before 2022 Games
3 years, 2 months ago

IOC VP: Chinese human rights not a concern before 2022 Games

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — International Olympic Committee Vice President John Coates says challenging China on its human rights record as Beijing prepares to host the 2022 Winter Games is “not in our remit.” There has been widespread criticism of Beijing’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the northwest China region of Xinjiang, which rights groups say amounts to genocide, as well as …

China human rights record 'not our remit,' says IOC's John Coates ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years, 2 months ago

China human rights record 'not our remit,' says IOC's John Coates ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics

Firstpost  

When asked about the treatment of the Uyghur minority in China, IOC Vice President John Coates said the body has no mandate to act. Sydney: A senior member of the International Olympic Committee on Wednesday swatted aside suggestions China should be challenged over its human rights record ahead of the Beijing Winter Games. The Beijing Winter Olympics take place next …

IOC's Coates rules out pressuring China over human rights
3 years, 2 months ago

IOC's Coates rules out pressuring China over human rights

The Hindu  

The International Olympic Committee will not pressure 2022 Winter Olympics host China over its human rights record because it is not in the governing body's remit to dictate to sovereign countries, IOC vice-president John Coates said on Wednesday. Coates said the IOC's human rights remit only covered the "Olympic movement" and the National Olympic Committees within it. But the IOC …

Winter Olympics: IOC says China human rights ‘not within’ remit
3 years, 2 months ago

Winter Olympics: IOC says China human rights ‘not within’ remit

Al Jazeera  

IOC dismisses calls to challenge China over its treatment of the Uighur minority ahead of next year’s Beijing Winter Olympics. A senior member of the International Olympic Committee has swatted aside suggestions that China should be challenged over its human rights record before the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. IOC Vice President John Coates on Wednesday rejected calls from rights groups …

Why boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics could backfire
3 years, 3 months ago

Why boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics could backfire

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Dr. John Lee is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and United States Studies Centre where he is an adjunct professor. CNN — With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics now over, attention is turning to next year’s Winter Olympics in the Chinese capital Beijing. And with less than six months to go, pressure is mounting on …

Beijing Olympics: Broadcasters urged to cancel coverage by human rights groups
3 years, 3 months ago

Beijing Olympics: Broadcasters urged to cancel coverage by human rights groups

The Hindu  

Some of the world’s largest broadcasters including American network NBC are being asked by human rights groups to cancel plans to cover next year's Winter Olympics in Beijing. “All of your companies are at serious risk of being complicit in China’s plan to ‘sport wash' the severe and worsening human rights abuses and embolden the actions of the Chinese authorities,” …

Jules Boykoff
3 years, 4 months ago

Jules Boykoff

The Diplomat  

In 2015, Beijing beat out Almaty, Kazakhstan, for the honor of hosting the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Before the International Olympic Committee announced Beijing’s selection, activists warned against offering China a “second chance,” arguing that the rights situation had in fact worsened since China hosted the Summer Games in 2008. In a 2015 open letter, rights advocates warned that the …

Beijing Games: Sports coverage fine, other things maybe not
3 years, 4 months ago

Beijing Games: Sports coverage fine, other things maybe not

Associated Press  

TOKYO — The IOC says the Olympics are only about the sports; no politics allowed. Yes, I absolutely do.” China’s foreign ministry has repeatedly criticized the “politicization of sports” and has said any Olympic boycott is “doomed to failure.” It has not addressed journalism during the Games specifically. In a statement, The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China said the “rhetoric …

Olympics: IOC president Thomas Bach lauds medical workers, says Tokyo game sends a powerful message of peace
3 years, 5 months ago

Olympics: IOC president Thomas Bach lauds medical workers, says Tokyo game sends a powerful message of peace

India Today  

International Olympic Committee Chairman Thomas Bach on Tuesday lauded the health care workers and volunteers who made the Tokyo Olympics possible amid the coronavirus pandemic. Bach further said that the Tokyo Games would send a powerful message of "peace and solidarity". none of us could have ever imagined the unprecedented challenges we would face," Bach said at the opening of …

IOC president Bach warns athletes against 'political demonstrations' on podiums
3 years, 5 months ago

IOC president Bach warns athletes against 'political demonstrations' on podiums

The Hindu  

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said on Friday that athletes should not make "political demonstrations" or express their private views on the medal podium at the Tokyo Games. READ: Olympics are ‘on the wrong side of history’ when it comes to free speech "The podium and the medal ceremonies are not made... for a political or other demonstration," Bach …

Olympics are ‘on the wrong side of history’ when it comes to free speech
3 years, 5 months ago

Olympics are ‘on the wrong side of history’ when it comes to free speech

The Hindu  

An important debate is brewing about free speech at the Olympics. After years of the International Olympic Committee restricting the free expression of athletes at the Games, some prominent athletes are calling for the unlimited right to speak freely — including the right to protest. The advocates include Canadian decathlete Damien Warner, an Olympic bronze medallist in 2016, who has …

China, US clash over Winter Olympics boycott call
3 years, 7 months ago

China, US clash over Winter Olympics boycott call

Hindustan Times  

China on Wednesday said the US House speaker Nancy Pelosi was “full of lies” after she called for a “diplomatic boycott” of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights abuses. I don’t know where they get the nerve to say so.” Zhao said that the US’ intention of using human rights issues is to divert attention from its own …

EXPLAINER: Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and some options
3 years, 8 months ago

EXPLAINER: Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and some options

Associated Press  

The U.S. State Department says it’s talking with allies about China’s human rights record and how to handle next year’s Beijing Winter Olympics. He has repeated the IOC must stay “neutral.” China’s government warned Washington on Wednesday not to boycott, saying there would be an unspecified “robust Chinese response.” “The politicization of sports will damage the spirit of the Olympic …

US Weighs Joint Approach to Beijing Olympics with Allies
3 years, 8 months ago

US Weighs Joint Approach to Beijing Olympics with Allies

News 18  

The State Department said Tuesday the Biden administration is consulting with allies about a joint approach to China and its human rights record, including how to handle the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. The department initially suggested that an Olympic boycott to protest China’s rights abuses was among the possibilities but a senior official said later that a boycott has not …

US weighs joint approach to Beijing Olympics with allies
3 years, 8 months ago

US weighs joint approach to Beijing Olympics with allies

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The State Department said Tuesday the Biden administration is consulting with allies about a joint approach to China and its human rights record, including how to handle the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. The department initially suggested that an Olympic boycott to protest China’s rights abuses was among the possibilities but a senior official said later that a boycott …

IOC chief Thomas Bach pleads for no boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, 'athletes would suffer'
3 years, 9 months ago

IOC chief Thomas Bach pleads for no boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, 'athletes would suffer'

Firstpost  

Bach batted off talk of a potential boycott, claiming the International Olympic Committee’s political neutrality and saying it was up to governments to live up to their responsibilities. Lausanne: Olympic chief Thomas Bach on Friday pleaded that there be no boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games over China’s treatment of its Uighur minority, saying it would only punish athletes. …

Rights groups, international lawyers target sponsors like Airbnb for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years, 9 months ago

Rights groups, international lawyers target sponsors like Airbnb for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

Firstpost  

This will be Beijing’s second Olympics in 14 years, following the 2008 Summer Games that were supposed to improve human rights in China. London-based human-rights lawyer Michael Polak filed a complaint with the IOC’s ethic commission over Beijing’s “breaches of the Olympic charter.” Instead of responding to his brief, the commission referred him to a statement from IOC President Thomas …

Rights groups target sponsors like Airbnb for Beijing Games
3 years, 9 months ago

Rights groups target sponsors like Airbnb for Beijing Games

Associated Press  

In one corner are the 15 leading Olympic sponsors, many household names like Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Visa, Toyota, Samsung and General Electric. London-based human-rights lawyer Michael Polak filed a complaint with the IOC ethics commission over Beijing’s “breaches of the Olympic charter.” Instead of responding to his brief, the commission referred him to a statement from IOC President Thomas Bach. The …

Rights groups call for boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Games
3 years, 10 months ago

Rights groups call for boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Games

Associated Press  

TOKYO — A coalition of 180 rights groups on Wednesday called for a boycott of next year’s Beijing Winter Olympics tied to reported human rights abuses against ethnic minorities in China. The group has issued an open letter to governments calling for a boycott of the Olympics “to ensure they are not used to embolden the Chinese government’s appalling rights …

IOC Accused Of Ignoring Human Rights For 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
4 years ago

IOC Accused Of Ignoring Human Rights For 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

News 18  

A coalition representing ethnic minorities in China is again accusing the International Olympic Committee of ignoring widespread human rights abuses as the country prepares to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Rights groups speaking for Tibetans, Uighurs and others representing Hong Kong have sent an open letter to IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC member Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., …

U.S. Olympic leaders say American athletes won’t be punished for protests
4 years ago

U.S. Olympic leaders say American athletes won’t be punished for protests

LA Times  

John Carlos, left, and Tommie Smith pose for a photo in front of statue that honors their iconic, black-gloved protest at the 1968 Olympic Games, on the campus of San Jose State University. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee heeded calls from American athletes, announcing Thursday that it won’t sanction them for raising their fists or kneeling on the medals …

Tokyo Olympics 2020: IOC chief Thomas Bach says Games cannot become 'marketplace of demonstrations'
4 years, 2 months ago

Tokyo Olympics 2020: IOC chief Thomas Bach says Games cannot become 'marketplace of demonstrations'

Firstpost  

World Athletics chief and newly enshrined IOC member Sebastian Coe has backed athletes’ right to “take the knee” on the Olympic podium, as long as it was done with “complete respect” for other competitors. London: Olympic chief Thomas Bach warned against allowing the Games to “descend into a marketplace of demonstrations” on Saturday after criticism of a rule banning protests …

Bach: Olympic Games cannot be 'marketplace of demonstrations' - Sports News - Sportstar
4 years, 2 months ago

Bach: Olympic Games cannot be 'marketplace of demonstrations' - Sports News - Sportstar

The Hindu  

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said the Olympic Games are not about politics and must guard against becoming a “marketplace of demonstrations.” Against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement to protest racial injustice, calls have increased this year for a change to Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which bans any form political protest during the Games. …

Tokyo Olympics Chief Thomas Bach Says Summer Games Cannot be 'Marketplace of Demonstrations'
4 years, 2 months ago

Tokyo Olympics Chief Thomas Bach Says Summer Games Cannot be 'Marketplace of Demonstrations'

News 18  

Olympic chief Thomas Bach warned against allowing the Games to “descend into a marketplace of demonstrations” on Saturday after criticism of a rule banning protests by athletes. But Bach, who won a team fencing gold medal at the 1976 Olympics, said he had learned first-hand about the “political impotence of sport” when West Germany boycotted the 1980 Games over the …

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 should not be held in China, human rights groups say in letter to IOC
4 years, 3 months ago

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 should not be held in China, human rights groups say in letter to IOC

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — More than 160 human rights groups around the world have signed a letter calling for the International Olympic Committee to reverse its decision to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing allegations of widespread rights abuses by the Chinese government. The letter, which is addressed to IOC president Thomas Bach, and signed by human rights …

Human rights groups ask IOC to move Olympics from China
4 years, 3 months ago

Human rights groups ask IOC to move Olympics from China

Associated Press  

TOKYO — China’s repression in Tibet, the status of the exiled Dalai Lama and its treatment of ethnic minorities spurred violent protests ahead of Beijing’s 2008 Olympics. In a letter, the group asked the IOC to “reverse its mistake in awarding Beijing the honor of hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 2022.” The letter said that the 2008 Olympics had …

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