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Athletes urge peaceful Tibet solution

Thursday, 7 August, 2008
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More than 100 athletes have called on China's President Hu Jintao to seek a peaceful solution to the Tibet issue and improve the human rights situation.

In an open letter posted online on the eve of the Beijing Olympics, the 127 athletes urge Hu "to protect freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of opinion in your country, including Tibet".

The letter is based on an initiative called "Sports for Peace", which the web page says is taking place in cooperation with International Campaign for Tibet and Amnesty International.

The 127, including more than 40 who will compete in the Games, also urge Hu "to ensure that human rights defenders are no longer intimidated or imprisoned" and to scrap the death penalty.

"China is the focus of worldwide attention," the athletes wrote in their brief statement. "Your decision on these issues will determine the success the Olympic Games and the image the world will have of China in the future."

Signatories include high-profile medal hopes in the Games, such as Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic and 110m hurdles world record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba.


Source: AAP

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