2024-07-29 12:32:28
According to TASS, the cancellation of journalists’ accreditation, which is necessary to cover the Games, was “completely unexpected”, with journalists arriving in France, obtaining permits and attending the opening and several events. The agency said the Games’ organizing committee relied on the French authorities’ decision, but did not mention any specific complaints or reasons for the decision.
One of the journalists, Artyom Kuznetsov, worked at the seventh Olympiad, TASS reported. The International Olympic Committee and France’s foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment when contacted by AFP.
Earlier, some Russian journalists’ requests for accreditation were rejected, prompting Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to tell TASS that “journalists’ rights and freedom of speech are just empty words for President Emmanuel Macron and his gang.”
With just 15 Russian athletes competing at the Olympics under a neutral flag, most sports have banned Russians and their allies from the Games because of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Russia has been critical of the opening ceremony, with Ms Zakharova describing it as a “colossal failure”. TASS highlighted hiccups during the opening of the Olympics, such as the Olympic flag being flown upside down and spectators leaving early due to pouring rain.
2024-07-29 12:32:28