Amnesty International is one of the world’s leading NGO’s, dedicated to fighting against human rights abuses around the globe. This week I spoke to one of their activists, Niall Couper, about the Pro-Tibetan protests throughout the relay and the impact of the Olympics on the development of human rights in China. Here’s what he had to say…
Question: When China was awarded the Olympics in 2001, its committee claimed that the event would help the development of human rights - has it done this?
Answer: “When the games were awarded, there were statements from the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee and they were very pro the idea that it would help the development…”
Q: “Is this relay an appropriate occasion for protest against China’s human rights violations?”
A: “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for people to protest…”
Q: Many people say politics and sports shouldn’t mix, and that the spirit of the games shouldn’t be overshadowed by the political context. How do you feel about this line of argument?
A: “For me it’s a bit ridiculous really, because - what are sportsmen? They’re ordinary individuals like ourselves, and for that very reason should be aloud to speak out and speak about issues that conern them…”
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