Freedom of speech on hold during the Olympics

In the light of the current debate about freedom of speech, what do you think about this? No athletes or coaches may work as journalists during the Olympic Games in Turin 2006, according to rules set up by the IOC. Those who do, run the risk of being disqualified and even losing their medals. The IOC wants to protect athletes from media coverage inside the Olympic village in Turin.

The rule also applies to web pages and blogs and for example the Japanese Olympic Committee is telling athletes competing at Olympic Games not to open blogs. Discussions are currently taking place as to “whether athletes can update their blog after the Olympics”. Frightening.

The rule was introduced already to the 2004 summer games.

Source: Journalisten. Tags: torino, turin, Olympics.