Will journalists be smiling come the 2008 Olympics?

China officially lifted many restrictions on foreign media operating in the country on January 1.
 
However, harassment, detention and other obstacles to their work remain, the group said in a statement.
 
Despite well-documented incidents atill occuring, the IOC continues to say China will fulfill its promises to allow greater openness.

"In China you will be able to report, you will be able to circulate, to engage with citizens," President Jacques Rogge said last week.

"The IOC's reluctance to challenge the Chinese government's ongoing violations of media freedoms is at odds with the Olympic Charter's dedication to 'ethical principles' and 'preservation of human dignity,'" Sophie Richardson, the group's deputy Asia director, said.

"If the IOC can criticise the Chinese government's failure to improve Beijing's air quality ahead of the 2008 Games, why can't it speak out about China's failure to respect its Olympic pledge on press freedom?" she said.

Under the new rules, foreign reporters are said to be allowed to travel through most parts of the country, excluding Tibet, without fear of detention by local authorities.

The same story for journalists

However, numerous cases of journalists being held have been reported this year, including an incident in August directly in front of the offices of the Beijing Olympics organising committee where a score of writers, photographers and cameramen were physically prevented from leaving with no explanation given.

Surveys of foreign media workers in China show few believe authorities are committed to the new openness.

Accommodating the international media is one of the toughest tasks for Beijing organisers, along with dealing with expected demonstrations and reining in air pollution.

Rogge has said that high pollution could force the rescheduling of some Olympic events, while IOC inspection team leader Hein Verbruggen called air quality in Beijing "a big problem."

Beijing has pledged to take whatever measures necessary to ensure the city's air is clean during the games, but athletes remain dubious.

Women's tennis champion Justine Henin has recently said she may not defend her Olympic gold medal in Beijing because the city's air pollution triggers her asthma.

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