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The Western media is too critical, says angry China
Matthew Beard, Sports News Correspondent14 Aug 2008
Beijing's top Olympic official today went to war with the Western media.
Wang Wei, a senior official in the Beijing organising committee, launched an angry defence of one-party China, accusing the media of being "critical" and "digging into small details". He snapped after being asked about repeated complaints of journalists being harassed as they try to cover dissent and demonstrations.
Yesterday ITN journalist John Ray was arrested and "roughed up" as he covered an attempt by Students for a Free Tibet to state their case outside the main Olympic park.
The British embassy in Beijing complained about his treatment by the Chinese authorities.
Today Mr Wang launched an angry tirade as he was quizzed by journalists over restrictions on reporting and claimed the country was meeting its commitment to the International Olympic Committee to allow free reporting.
"Everyone who comes to China for the first time says it is different from what they have read," he said. "They say everyone is so friendly, the people are so happy and optimistic about the future.
"Of course there are exceptions but you have to follow legal procedures, we cannot take the country into chaos. A few people come here to be critical and dig into the small details but that does not mean we are not fulfilling our promises."
Mr Wang also faced claims that there had been no licences granted for demonstrations despite authorities announcing they had set aside three public parks for this purpose. He said it was up to the city authorities to grant permission, not Games organisers.
But the Beijing officials are still facing difficulties over restrictions on reporting the games. Some internet sites remain blocked and slow internet access is being widely blamed on censorship imposed by the "great firewall of China", despite a promise to remove all restrictions.
Today the International Olympic Committee, which has claimed the Games will open up China, gave their approval to the organisation of the sports event but pointedly refused to address the wider issues.
IOC director of communication Giselle Davies said she "opposed any journalist being hindered" in the wake of Ray's arrest. She said: "The media should be allowed to do their jobs reporting on the Games.
"The IOC does disapprove of any attempt to hinder a journalist doing his job. We hope this has been addressed and we do not want to see it happen it again. We disapprove of work being hindered when they do not appear to be breaching the rules."
Asked repeatedly whether the IOC was "embarrassed" by the alleged behaviour of the Games hosts, she said: "We are very proud of the fact that these Games are progressing with spectacular sports and events."
Meanwhile, two Londoners arrested at the same protest as Ray were today due to arrive back in Britain.
Pema Yoko, 25, and Padma-Dolma Fielitz, 22, were arrested by Chinese police when they waved Tibet flags and unfurled banners in the capital. Eight Tibet activists were arrested in the protest and have been deported.
Ms Yoko, who lives in London and has a Tibetan father, works as a coordinator for the Students for a Free Tibet national network in the UK.
Reader views (2)
er... I thought it was the job of a free press to be critical? They are supposed to promote critical discussion, which they do excellently!
- Nick Bacon, london uk, 15/08/2008 10:02
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Its true the media about china here are so negative and they are so good at nitpicking....shame!
- Globle, uk, 14/08/2008 22:03
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