International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials are said to be investigating reports that journalists covering the Games have had their notebooks and tape recorders confiscated.
According to the View London website, an eyewitness has claimed Chinese journalists were approached by officials during a press conference with the USA men’s volleyball team after questions were asked about the death of the coach’s father-in-law.
Beijing officials reportedly said they were attempting to find out what had been said at the press conference because they didn’t understand the English questions, but the Times reports that the Chinese journalists did not receive their notes back after the confrontation.
Also, several foreign journalists said they were approached during the weekend as they tried to cover the incident.
The IOC has said the matter is being investigated.
Meanwhile, Chinese security forces are being urged to smile more to stop terrifying foreigners at the Games, reports SBS news.
Norwegian IOC member Gerhard Heiberg told the Aftenposten daily, “the police and military…need to act differently. They have stony faces. They’re seriously scaring the foreigners in Beijing. Something has to be done.
“The fact that they’re armed and look sinister just makes things worse”.
Heiberg said he had talked to China’s political authorities and Olympics organizers about the issue. He said, “I’ve asked them to get people to smile more”, but added his request had been met with laughter.
