IOC issues statement on Internet censorship in Beijing

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

In a terse statement released a short time ago, the IOC stated that ‘no deal with the Chinese authorities to censor the Internet has ever in any way been entered into.’

The statement adds that Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the Beijing 2008 IOC Coordination Commission, and Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli held meetings earlier today with BOCOG members to discuss censorship issues.

Two weeks ago, IOC President Jacques Rogge promised that there would be no Internet censorship for working journalists in Beijing. But today, Kevan Gosper, head of the IOC media commission, alleged that the IOC had bowed to Chinese pressure and agreed to let the host country limit Internet access for reporters working in Beijing. Reporters are unable to access websites that deal with such issues as Tibet.

‘The issues were put on the table, and the IOC requested that the Olympic Games hosts address them,’ according to the ICO statement. ‘We understand that BOCOG will give details to the media very soon of how the matter has been addressed. We trust them to keep their promise.’

The statement also maintained that ‘our position is that the IOC has always encouraged the Beijing 2008 organisers to provide media with the fullest access possible to report on the Olympic Games, including access to the Internet.’

-- Greg Johnson