Push China on media reforms, IOC urged

“The International Olympic Committee does not stop congratulating itself over the progress in construction for the Beijing Olympics,” it said in a statement. “But there are no public statements of concern about the lack of free expression which could affect the work of the press and the transparency necessary for the games,” the statement added.

China is the world’s biggest prison for journalists, cyber-dissidents and internet users.

Nearly 100 are currently detained with many serving long sentences for expressing their views on such issues as democracy, corruption and the plight of minorities, the group said.

In China, all media outlets are strictly controlled by the ruling Communist P and are expected to represent the voice of the government.

Foreign media are also regularly detained for reporting on stories authorities do not want aired.

“The Chinese are still not respecting their undertaking to the International Olympic Committee to let foreign journalists work freely,” the statement said.

Designs Welcomed

Beijing: With less than three years to go for the mega event, the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) has launched two artistic campaigns of contrasting scales. For those who think big, the committee is inviting proposals for public sculptures celebrating the olympics, while for those working on a smaller scale, the committee is running a calligraphy competition. (PTI)