٠٠:٠٤:١٧Usage for news programming only in any platform (including social media) | No commercial use or association permitted | Mandatory Credit: IOC
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said that a Uyghur athlete, Dinigeer Yilamujiang, had every right “whatever her background, where she comes from, to take part in the opening ceremony,” at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.
Yilamujiang is a cross country skier and she carried the final Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics on Friday night. She is a Uyghur Muslim from Xinjiang region where China have been accused of committing alleged human rights violations against the Uyghur population.
“This is an athlete who is competing here, she's competing as I say I think this morning. She has every right wherever she comes from, whatever her background, to compete and she has every right, whatever her background, where she comes from, to take part in the opening ceremony. And I think it was a lovely concept," Adams told reporters at the press conference.
There was some controversy online after Dutch state media broadcaster NOS had a reporter pulled by an official live on air.
“It was an unfortunate circumstance, I think someone is being over zealous. He was able very quickly afterwards with the help of officials there to do his piece to camera, stand up. These things do happen,” explained Adams.
“I hope it’s one off. We assure you within the closed loop you will be able to carry on your work," he went on to say.
The director of the opening ceremony, Zhang Yimou, also explained some of the themes present in the event.
"What we want to express is the idea of working together for the shared future, and to reflect the unity of mankind. There are many ideas about all mankind, especially as all of us are in a difficult time today, “ stated Zhang.
The Games will last until February 20. They will be followed by the Paralympic Winter Games on March 4, lasting until March 13.
China: ‘She has every right, wherever she comes from’ - IOC Spox on Uyghur athlete carrying Olympic torch
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said that a Uyghur athlete, Dinigeer Yilamujiang, had every right “whatever her background, where she comes from, to take part in the opening ceremony,” at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.
Yilamujiang is a cross country skier and she carried the final Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics on Friday night. She is a Uyghur Muslim from Xinjiang region where China have been accused of committing alleged human rights violations against the Uyghur population.
“This is an athlete who is competing here, she's competing as I say I think this morning. She has every right wherever she comes from, whatever her background, to compete and she has every right, whatever her background, where she comes from, to take part in the opening ceremony. And I think it was a lovely concept," Adams told reporters at the press conference.
There was some controversy online after Dutch state media broadcaster NOS had a reporter pulled by an official live on air.
“It was an unfortunate circumstance, I think someone is being over zealous. He was able very quickly afterwards with the help of officials there to do his piece to camera, stand up. These things do happen,” explained Adams.
“I hope it’s one off. We assure you within the closed loop you will be able to carry on your work," he went on to say.
The director of the opening ceremony, Zhang Yimou, also explained some of the themes present in the event.
"What we want to express is the idea of working together for the shared future, and to reflect the unity of mankind. There are many ideas about all mankind, especially as all of us are in a difficult time today, “ stated Zhang.
The Games will last until February 20. They will be followed by the Paralympic Winter Games on March 4, lasting until March 13.
Usage for news programming only in any platform (including social media) | No commercial use or association permitted | Mandatory Credit: IOC
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said that a Uyghur athlete, Dinigeer Yilamujiang, had every right “whatever her background, where she comes from, to take part in the opening ceremony,” at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.
Yilamujiang is a cross country skier and she carried the final Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics on Friday night. She is a Uyghur Muslim from Xinjiang region where China have been accused of committing alleged human rights violations against the Uyghur population.
“This is an athlete who is competing here, she's competing as I say I think this morning. She has every right wherever she comes from, whatever her background, to compete and she has every right, whatever her background, where she comes from, to take part in the opening ceremony. And I think it was a lovely concept," Adams told reporters at the press conference.
There was some controversy online after Dutch state media broadcaster NOS had a reporter pulled by an official live on air.
“It was an unfortunate circumstance, I think someone is being over zealous. He was able very quickly afterwards with the help of officials there to do his piece to camera, stand up. These things do happen,” explained Adams.
“I hope it’s one off. We assure you within the closed loop you will be able to carry on your work," he went on to say.
The director of the opening ceremony, Zhang Yimou, also explained some of the themes present in the event.
"What we want to express is the idea of working together for the shared future, and to reflect the unity of mankind. There are many ideas about all mankind, especially as all of us are in a difficult time today, “ stated Zhang.
The Games will last until February 20. They will be followed by the Paralympic Winter Games on March 4, lasting until March 13.