Tuesday 5 August 2008

Beijing 2008 - shame on China

In 3 days the 2008 Olympics will start. China is hoping to show itself as a modern nation to the world capable of organizing a huge event like the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, in the process of trying to have smooth Olympics they trampled many human rights. We should all read the latest Amnesty International report which highlights deteriorating human right conditions in China. These include persecution of human rights activists, detention without trial, censorship and the death penalty. In the run-up to the Olympics, the Chinese authorities have locked up, put under house arrest and forcibly removed individuals they believe may threaten the image of “stability” and “harmony” they want to present to the world.
Im the West, every evening we currently see negative stories about China on TV. What was a chance for China to really get a better image is already turning into a public relations disaster. Well, they deserve to be criticized. I still hope we will witness great sports events, but in the mean time: shame on China.

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