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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: China, IOC try to shut out human rights concerns, Tibetans continue opposition despite restrictions
13 July, 2001: (Moscow) Two human rights advocates were briefly detained by police this afternoon for passing out leaflets listing questions for the IOC to consider regarding Beijing's controversial bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games. The activists, John Hocevar, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet and Anne Callaghan of Free Tibet Campaign (UK) were released without charge, and escorted to the nearest Metro Station. They were told that any attempts to pass out information opposing Beijing's Olympics bid
would result in more arrests.
"A representative of the Olympic Committtee told us that asking questions about the appropriateness of Beijing's bid was against the Olympic Charter," said Ms. Callaghan. "It seems to me that it is the behavior of the IOC and the Chinese government that is not in keeping with the Olympic spirit."
Mr. Hocevar had hoped to get some answers from the IOC after months of refusal to address human rights concerns. "How will the IOC protect the rights and safety of people attending a Beijing Olympics?" he asked. "What would be the effect of China's lack of respect for freedom of speech or freedom of the press on a Beijing Olympics?"
The detentions came on the heels of the news that all charges had been dropped pending further review related to the arrest the day before of the six Tibet activists from Switzerland, India, and Moscow.
"All over the world, China interferes with local governments to try to silence the voice of Tibetans," said Karma Yeshi, Vice President of the Tibetan Youth Congress. "As long China continues to occupy Tibet, we will never give up no matter how much they try to stop us."
Tibetans and supporters plan to join a demonstration organized by the Transnational Radical Party scheduled for 9:00 am across from the Moscow World Trade Centre tomorrow. The city of Moscow denied a permit for the demonstration, saying that the location was a fire hazard zone.
For more information contact
Ngawang Gelek, + 7095 229 46-17
Anne Callaghan, + 44 77 99 138 689
Alison Reynolds, Free Tibet Campaign
+ 20 7833 9958, mobile + 7711 843884
NEW YORK Lhadon Tethong
Students for as Free Tibet + 1 212 358-0071
His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Beijing Olympics bid
Statement of the Central Tibetan Administration on Beijing Olympics bid
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