Last month, chess champion and Human Rights Foundation chair Garry Kasparov referred to the selection of Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics as a “sick joke.”
Today was the opening ceremony, and Kasparov’s criticism continued:
Is important subject. RT @GeeZeeCeltics: I do not agree with Putin's methods at all, but aren't the Olympics meant to forget wars/politics?
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
Everyone needs diversion & sports are one of the best. But when sports are exploited for authoritiarian propaganda, is important to resist.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
I will certainly cheer the achievements of Russia's athletes, and all great performances. But the IOC & Putin don't need cheerleaders.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
As I ask you to distinguish Putin & his gang from Russia & the Russian people, also distinguish sport & athletes from political propaganda.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
Kasparov accused NBC Sports of serving as a mouthpiece for Putin propaganda:
Last night NBC sports people already talked about Putin as "man of peace" & his Russia "ready to join the world." Propaganda, not sports.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
Remember most people get their "news" on Sochi from NBC TV & similar, who are promoting Putin's political talking points, not only sports.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
A couple of tweeters disagreed with Kasparov’s criticism of NBC Sports:
https://twitter.com/kaimac/status/431880045674508288
I cannot watch all of the coverage in all countries of course! So your reports are important. I saw video clips of their praise for Putin.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
@Kasparov63 Do you even watch NBC? Last nigh Costas, Posner and Remick raked Putin over the coals.
— La Russophobe (@larussophobe) February 7, 2014
So I am glad to hear some of you say it was not all one-sided. But I am also not interested in "being fair" to an authoritarian regime!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
Kasparov also took a jab at the opening ceremony glitches:
Yes, you are right! I have to eat my words. Sochi is not Berlin 1936 at all. In Berlin everything went off without a hitch!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 7, 2014
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Read all of Twitchy’s coverage of the Olympics here.