Beijing Official Says Olympic Athletes Could Face ‘Punishment’ For Violating ‘Olympic Spirit’

Olympic athletes heading to Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics will need to keep their thoughts on human rights issues to themselves unless they want to wind up on the wrong side of Chinese law.

The deputy director general of Beijing 2022’s International Relations Department — Yang Shu — told reporters Wednesday that Olympians who violate the “Olympic spirit” will be subject to punishment.

“Any expression that is in line with the Olympic spirit I’m sure will be protected and anything and any behaviour or speeches that is against the Olympic spirit, especially against Chinese laws and regulations, are also subject to certain punishment,” Yang said.

While political demonstrations are not allowed at the Olympics, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced in March that athletes would be permitted to kneel and raise a fist during the playing of the national anthem during the Tokyo Summer Olympics. – READ MORE