Newspaper body targets China Olympics with press freedom ads

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 04-Mar-08, 11:10

LONDON - China is facing further pressure ahead of the Olympics about its human rights record, as the World Association of Newspapers presses members to run ads highlighting the country's imprisonment of journalists.

The WAN has created a number of ads for print and online in several languages, playing on the link between the Olympics and China's poor record on press freedom.

The organisation has asked its members to run the ads, which feature handcuffs mocked into Olympic motifs such as the five rings and medals around athletes' necks.

Text in the ads asks: "Are you planning to watch the Olympic Games? Here's one thing you will not see."

The ads go on to claim that China holds the world record for the number of journalists in prison -- more than 30.

The WAN said: "If China is to be considered a worthy host of the Olympic Games, the authorities must fulfil their promises and allow for freedom of expression both among journalists and ordinary citizens."

WAN was unavailable at the time of publication to confirm which publications have used the ads.