Latest, April 4th 2008

“I was very honoured to be asked, and very honoured to represent the disabled community. I fully support the Tibetan cause and in a way I feel that, because of the mounting pressure and the ongoing violence in Tibet, that torch-bearers should turn down their role … because I feel that is truly promoting and supporting the Olympic ideals, which are unity and world peace, and that doesn’t include invasion of other countries.”
Francesca Martinez, on withdrawing from the Olympic torch relay

This came just as China jailed human rights activist Hu Jia, about whom we have written before, for “incitement to subvert state power”, following a trial which Human Rights Watch called “a sham.” The decision immediately drew criticism from world leaders, including Condoleeza Rice. If you did not already do so, please read what Hu had to say about the Olympics. Human Rights Watch believes that his case demonstrates how the Olympic Games are having a negative effect on rights in China, and says the IOC’s failure to speak up on his behalf is at odds with the spirit of the Olympic charter.

This website believes that all Tibetan protestors should join the call for Hu Jia’s immediate release.

The Real China and the Olympics

As former factory worker Yang Chunlin begins his 5 year prison sentence for gathering 10,000 signatures for his petition entitled “We want human rights, not the Olympics,” (This on the very day that the Olympic torch was lit!) it might be worthwhile pointing people to “The Real China and the Olympics“, an open letter from two leading human rights activists outlining what those 10,000 Chinese people were calling for. One of the authors of the letter, Hu Jia, is now facing trial on the charges of “incitement to subvert state power.”

Whether or not you think there should be a boycott of the games, please read this document.