The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced today (Sunday) the places and topics where it will prohibit competitors from expressing their opinion or protesting during the Olympic Games in Paris.
The committee decided that there is a place for the athletes' freedom of expression, but also that it needs to be subject to certain restrictions.
In fact, the athletes will be very limited in their ability to express themselves, perhaps mainly because of political positions that can cloud the atmosphere of the sports connection.
They will be prohibited from expressing themselves at the opening and closing ceremonies, the medal awarding ceremonies, during the competition and while they are in the Olympic Village.
Where and when, however, the athletes will be able to express their points of view: mixed areas where they will interact with the media, press centers, press conferences, interviews, team meetings, general or digital media, social networks and moments before competition (chat room, athlete presentation, etc.).
Even when the athletes express their opinion, it will be done under several conditions: they must respect the basic principles of the Games, avoid attacking individuals, organizations or countries, follow the instructions of the Olympic Committee or their Olympic Federation, and avoid "disruptive behavior", according to the rules published by the IOC.
Disruptive behavior includes, for example, "comments during the ceremony or anthem" by other athletes, or displaying a flag or banner at the same moment.
Failure to comply with these rules may lead to disciplinary proceedings according to the offense.
The restrictions aim to strike a balance between freedom of expression and maintaining a respectful and competitive environment during the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
It seems that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has escalated since the October 7 massacre carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas, is one of the reasons for the instructions in question.
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