Denver: With the Beijing Games less than 100 days away, the International Olympic Committee has clarified its protest rules, saying that athletes external appearance, clothing and gestures would be scrutinised in China.

The IOC sent a six-point letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, to the national Olympic federations in response to their request for interpretations of Rule 51.3 of the Olympic charter. That rule states "no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas."

The letter expanded on the rule, saying: "The conduct of participants at all sites, areas and venues includes all actions, reactions, attitudes or manifestations of any kind by a person or group of persons, including but not limited to their look, external appearance, clothing, gestures, and written or oral statements."

"As in all Olympic Games, such conduct must also, of course, comply with the laws of the host state."

The IOC has long relied on Rule 51.3 as its guiding principle for Olympic participants, but has been pressed of late to offer more guidance in light of recent protests over Tibet and China's crackdown on dissenters.

The IOC letter said that, indeed, Olympic athletes are free to express their opinions, so long as those expressions are in compliance with the Olympic charter.

It gave athletes permission to answer questions on any topic in media interviews and said the rule relied on the "common sense of all athletes and other participants in showing respect for the dignity of all fellow athletes, including those of the host country."

The letter asked national organising committees to contact their athletes with the new information.

"Everyone concerned, should also respect the personal rights of each individual athlete, which include both the right to express themselves and the right not to comment on political issues," the letter said.

Source : PTI