With the controversies surrounding the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing rapidly increasing, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge reminded the world on Thursday that “freedom of expression is a basic human right.”
Freedom of expression extends to all mankind, however, Rogge emphatically stated that there will be “no propaganda nor demonstrations at Olympic Games venues.”
Addressing a meeting of delegates and representatives from the 205 National Olympic Committees in Beijing, Rogge upheld Olympic rule 51, which states that “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”
A bylaw to the Olympic charter adds that “no form of publicity or propaganda, commercial or otherwise, may appear on persons, on sportswear, accessories or, more generally, on any article of clothing or equipment whatsoever worn or used by the athletes . . .”
“But we do ask that there is no propaganda nor demonstrations at Olympic Games venues for the very good and simple reason that we have 205 countries and territories represented, many of whom are in conflict, and the Games are not the place to take political nor religious stances,” said Rogge today in Beijing.
Although the Olympic Committee is enforcing a no-demonstration rule for Beijing, Rogge did say that the athletes are permitted to express their views.
“If athletes genuinely want to express their opinion, that’s fine,” said Rogge.
“But let’s not forget, there is also the right not to express an opinion. Athletes should feel no moral obligation to speak out. They deserve the right to focus on their preparations and should not be made to feel obliged to express themselves if they do not wish to.”
“The IOC and the National Olympic Committees have the duty to protect them from any kind of pressure. In any case, I do not expect there will be many incidents (of breach of rule 51). Athletes are mature and intelligent people. They will know what they can say or not say. If they have doubts, the IOC and the NOCs are here to guide them.”
