World

Tibetan Flags Banned at Olympics

by JeffHuang | July 18, 2008 at 01:06 pm

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This is not surprising at all especially when the games is taking place in China. I am not sure how many of you know this, but Taiwan won couple gold medals in the 04' Olympics. As the tradition goes, the gold medalist would have their flag raised to the roof while they play their national anthem. During the opening ceremony and the rewarding of the medals to the Taiwanese winners, they used (as I recall) the Olympic flag to represent Taiwan instead of the Taiwanese flag. The Taiwanese National Anthem was replaced by the Olympics song (also as I recall). The Olympics wasn't even in China, it was held in Athens. But due to political reasons, there was no Taiwanese flags or National Anthem.
Now this year with Olympics taking place in China, I am sure the practice of banning flags will be a lot more prevelant. As is the case with the Tibet Flags being banned.

Tibetan flags will be banned from all Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong under rules aimed at heading off political propaganda and protests inside competition venues, organizers said Friday.

The crackdown guidelines apply to flags representing countries and regions without athletes in the events. Demonstrations, as well as any "propaganda" appearing on banners, clothing or other accessories, won't be allowed either.

Organizers said violators will be kicked out.

A former British colony now ruled by China, Hong Kong is supposed to enjoy Western-style civil liberties and grants visa-free access to citizens of many Western countries.

However, Hong Kong has acted to restrict demonstrators in some cases. In May, immigration officials turned back pro-Tibet activists who flew into Hong Kong before its leg of the Olympic torch relay.