Media Freedom: Ask and Ye Shall Receive (Empty Rhetoric)

Almost a week into the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is finally pressing the Chinese government on the issue of media freedom. According to the AP, “IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies said the committee disapproves of ‘any attempts to hinder a journalist who is going about doing his job seemingly within the rules.’”

For some people — specifically the Human Rights Watch — words aren’t enough. They want action. Sophie Richardson, the group’s Asia advocacy director, explains:

“The IOC’s public expression of concern is welcome, but it won’t have any effect without real action. The International Olympic Committee’s failure to address this problem highlights the urgent need for mechanisms to prevent further abuses.”

As far as the Chinese are concerned, they are doing a fine job of letting foreign media have access. Wang Wei, an executive vice president of Beijing Games organizer, told The Wall Street Journal:

“China is developing quickly. People enjoy more freedom and they have a lot to say. If you ask the ordinary Chinese on the street they will say the same.

We wonder what the ordinary Chinese would say about beating a cameraman on said streets.

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