China: World must use Winter Olympics to demand human rights improvements

The world must use the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics as an opportunity to push for human rights improvements in China, Amnesty International said ahead of next month’s Games. China’s capital will welcome athletes, officials and diplomats from around the world for the Games, which begin on 4 February. But the event will take place …

Belarus: Once a showcase of the country’s success, sport is now a battleground for reprisals

Once national heroes, many Belarusian athletes have sacrificed their careers and their freedom by daring to speak out against human rights violations in their country, Amnesty International said today in a new briefing, part of the organization’s #StandWithBelarus campaign. Earlier today Belarusian Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya asked for asylum at the Polish embassy in Tokyo …