09 October 2013, 01:00
NGO "Free Zone" announces start of protests against Georgia's participation in 2014 Olympics
In Georgia, a non-governmental organization (NGO) "Free Zone" has announced a start of its daily protests against the country's participation in the Sochi Winter Olympics.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 2 the Georgian National Olympic Committee (NOC) unanimously voted, at its emergency session, for participation of Georgian athletes in the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games. However, on October 7, the Government of Georgia declared its readiness to review the decision on the participation of Georgian athletes in the Olympic Games in Sochi, in case the Games are "politicized" by Russia.
Activists of the "Free Zone" are going to hold protests at the Prime Minister's residence every day starting from 5:00 p.m. The organization called on all citizens of Georgia to join the campaign.
The "Free Zone" believes that the Georgian authorities "should realize their responsibility and fix their position on Georgia's participation in the Olympic Games," the "News-Georgia" writes.
Let us note here that if Georgia does not reconsider its participation in the 2014 Olympics, its athletes will represent their country in four categories – alpine skiing, tobogganing, skating and snowboarding.
Georgia broke off its diplomatic relations with Russia after Russia's recognition in August 2008 of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The official Tbilisi treats Abkhazia and South Ossetia as Georgian territories occupied by Russia.
