China accused of web censorship

Updated 23.02 Wed Jul 30 2008

Keywords: Tibet, Olympic Games, internet censorship, China

China has been accused of backtracking on promises to protect press freedom during the Beijing Olympics.

Internet sites such as Amnesty International and searches for "Tibet" have reportedly been blocked at the Chinese capital's Main Press Centre, which will house about 5,000 journalists when the Games open on August 8.

Journalists trying to use the web have also complained about slow speeds, suggesting the authorities are deliberately trying to hinder them from researching stories about China's alleged human rights abuses

Chinese officials said the media would have "complete freedom to report" when they were bidding to host the competition seven years ago.

In April the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it had received assurances that Internet censorship would be lifted for journalists during the Games.

Kevan Gosper, chairman of the IOC's Media Commission, said he had been advised by Beijing organisers that some internet sites have been blocked by Chinese authorities, but these were unrelated to the Olympics.

He said: "Our preoccupation is to ensure that the international media can report on the Olympic Games. And anything beyond that is a matter for the Chinese authorities."

Beijing Olympic Organising Committee spokesman Sun Weide told journalists: "We will be providing full access to the internet to facilitate your reporting during the Olympic Games, so that your reporting during the Olympic Games will not be affected in any way."