Looks like the British press corps in Beijing is pretty pissed off about the manhandling of ITN’s China correspondent yesterday, at least if accounts of today’s IOC-Bocog press conference are anything to go by. Tonight’s Channel 4 News looks set to be interesting:
The IOC was … repeatedly asked by Channel 4 whether it was “in any way embarrassed” by the Chinese government “lying through its teeth” about keeping its promises to improve human rights and press freedom. The IOC communication’s director Giselle Davies prevaricated several times, claiming that “We have to note that there have been enormous steps forward in a number of areas” – but failing to answer the question.
But Channel 4’s Alex Thomson kept pressing, asking how the IOC felt about the “manifest failure of the Chinese government to keep their promises.” Davies again refused to directly answer the question. Instead she said that the IOC was “very proud about how these Games are progressing” before praising the “spectacular venues”.
“I’m not asking about how well the Games are being run, or how wonderful the Games are,” replied Thomson. “Are you embarrassed by China? I don’t think anyone thinks you have answered the question.” Davies smiled, before again talking operational details. “The Olympic Games is largely about the athletes and they have given us extremely strong feedback about how things are going.”
Thomson, by now resisting efforts from two volunteers to force the microphone from him, kept pressure. “We’re not getting anywhere are we?” he said. “Are the IOC embarrassed about the Chinese governments record on human rights? One more chance?” “We have to note the enormous steps in the wider area,” said Davies. “The world is watching and the IOC is appraising.”
Update: Channel 4 News have now posted the video.
