Beijing Olympics, human rights and a muzzle on speaking out
As the Beijing Winter Olympics finally land, the intersection of sports, human rights and geopolitics has never been greater after the focus on Chinese human rights abuses and measures they have taken to silence criticism, all against the backdrop of strict COVID-19 conditions. Right up to the last minute, various human rights groups have expressed concern about a "terrible and horrific environment" in China where athletes are afraid to speak out on important issues for fear of reprisal.