Russia Makes Room for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games

By Nima Nayebi

Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

Rendering of the Sochi 2014 Olympics site. Photo: Skyscrapercity.com

SOCHI, Russian Federation - Members of the International Olympic Committee recently visited Sochi, a Black Sea resort town and site of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The Committee gave high praise to Russian officials for being “open and constructive,” but Sochi residents have complained to Human Rights Watch (HRW) of restrictions placed on their speech and the taking of their land without compensation.

Sochi residents also expressed their frustration at the lack of transparency surrounding planned construction for the upcoming games, as well as their desire to air their views to Olympic Committee officials. Residents gathered to peacefully protest outside the Committee’s press conference site during its May visit, but were rapidly dispersed by police. Seven were arrested for illegal protesting as part of the government’s effort to keep the residents’ concerns hidden from the view.

On 23 February, HRW proposed the establishment of an International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Human Rights. “Such a reform is essential in the wake of human rights abuses in China linked to the 2008 Beijing Games, and ahead of the 2014 Sochi Games in Russia,” said HRW officials. This proposal, which will be presented at the 2009 Olympic Congress in October seeks to encourage adhere to the Olympic principle of the “preservation of human dignity.” HRW cited to the censorship of the media, forced evictions, abuse of migrant construction workers, and severe limitations on speech leading to the 2008 Beijing games.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, the president of the Sochi 2014 organizing committee promised that, “At the moment, Sochi is a huge construction site. Russia is committed to these Games. We consider Sochi to be a catalyst for positive change.” Chernyshenko has listed environmental concerns as a priority: “We have moved several events to less environmentally sensitive areas,we are committed to protecting the environment.”

Pictured above: IOC meeting in Sochi - Photo: IOC

Public domain map: Wiki Commons

For more information, please see:

Wall Street Journal - Don't Trample the Olympic Ideals in Russia - 25 May 2009

Reuters - Security not a problem for Sochi, says Games chief - 6 May 2009

HRW - Human Rights Watch Submission to the 2009 Olympic Congress - 23 April 2009 

ESPN - Sochi Games will help develop all of southern Russia - 5 July 2007