Council of Europe to Look into Freedom of Speech of Olympic Athletes

The Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is to hold a public hearing on the freedom of speech of Olympic athletes, following reports that some European countries are proposing restrictions on political statements by athletes ahead of the forthcoming Games.

Committee Chair Göran Lindblad (Sweden, EPP/CD) said: "Freedom of speech is something we hold dear at the Council of Europe, and many athletes from our member states will be going to China. We need to know if there will be any restrictions on what they can say, and why."

The Olympic Charter restricts demonstrations of political "propaganda" at the Games, but requiring athletes to sign an explicit undertaking not to raise politically sensitive issues is unusual.

Athletes, representatives of the IOC and the national Olympic committees concerned, as well as Chinese representatives, will be invited to the hearing, which is likely to take place during the Assembly's forthcoming session (14-18 April).