Garry Kasparov on Winter Olympics: 'Selection of Sochi was a sick joke'

Chess champion Garry Kasparov, long a thorn in the side of Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggests that not watching the Winter Olympics in Sochi might be a winning move.

Throughout history, authoritarian regimes try to draw confidence & power from these spectacles as substitute for support from the people.

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 20, 2014

When leaders & business community (sponsors, media) go & praise the show, do not criticize the regime, it tells the dictator all is okay.

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 20, 2014

So NBC handing billions to Putin to be part of his propaganda — bigotry, repression, corruption — is a big part of the problem.

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 20, 2014

Looking forward to seeing MSNBC's Sochi coverage. Do they have enough hours to show sports & do propaganda for both Obama and Putin?

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 20, 2014

MSNBC always has time to do propaganda for President Obama.

So NBC handing billions to Putin to be part of his propaganda — bigotry, repression, corruption — is a big part of the problem.

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 20, 2014

@Kasparov63 So do you suggest that the Olympics not be televised then. I'm not sure I understand your point about NBC.

— The Devil wears Pavada (@jijinjohn) January 21, 2014

Western companies should not give Putin money, yes. But too late for that with NBC. Not supporting them & advertisers next best. @jijinjohn

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 21, 2014

@Kasparov63 But then shouldn't your ire be at IOC for awarding the Olympics? Is it fair to ask athletes and audiences to boycott Sochi (1)

— The Devil wears Pavada (@jijinjohn) January 21, 2014

I have said many times I do not support boycott by athletes. Many audiences are looking for way to protest. Not watching is one. @jijinjohn

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 21, 2014

@Kasparov63 But I understand your point of view. Given that the Olympics is gonna be in Russia, you do what you can and must. (2)

— The Devil wears Pavada (@jijinjohn) January 21, 2014

And I have criticized the IOC frequently. Selection of Sochi was a sick joke for many reasons that are more obvious every day. @jijinjohn

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 21, 2014

NBC has chance to accurately cover the host nation & Sochi instead of participating in cover-up & using "sports not politics" as a shield.

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 21, 2014

By bidding to show Winter Olympics in Putin's Russia, NBC already entered politics. Putin wants Sochi to be propaganda & for NBC to help.

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 21, 2014