In addition to the announcement that the IOC will send a letter to athletes and participants at the Sochi Games reminding them to refrain
from engaging in demonstrations, political gestures, or protests while
in Russia, the IOC said Russia will be creating "protest zones" for
people to do just that, the L.A. Times reports:
The announcement came during a news teleconference held by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.
"This was under discussion with the IOC
for quite some time," Bach said. "This is a measure we welcome so that
everybody can express his or her opinion."
The Games in Sochi have become
particularly controversial because of Russia's recently enacted anti-gay
legislation threatening prosecution of anyone who, in the presence of
minors, promotes "nontraditional sexual relations."
Critics worldwide have condemned the law
as a violation of the right to free expression, saying the measure
effectively bans events such as gay rights parades. Bach did not offer
any details about the size or location of the zones.
He said Russian officials have assured
him protesters will not face negative consequences. "I think this is the
purpose of these protest zones," Bach said. "This is what we’ve been
discussing with Russian authorities."
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