China's broken promises

Those of us raising concerns over China's human rights record in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics in August are frequently told we shouldn't mix sport and politics. Yet it was the Chinese authorities that started this particular game, indicating in their bid to host the games that this would provide benefits for human rights in the country.

Sadly, with less than six months to go to the games, the promises to improve human rights have not been kept. If anything things are getting worse – Amnesty International is deeply worried that activists and journalists are being locked up or harassed to silence them. And there are concerns that the streets of Beijing are being "cleaned up" with undesirables thrown into "re-education through labour" camps without any trial.

Yes, the Olympics should be a celebration of sporting achievement. But the whole Olympics showcase should also respect stated Olympian values, such as the preservation of human dignity. If China does not make urgent reforms, August will provide a grim realisation of how far the country still has to go.

JOHN WATSON

Programme director, Scotland

Amnesty International

Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh