Athletes protected, can speak freely - IOC member

Athletes should not be concerned about their safety at the Beijing Olympics and they would be able to speak freely on their political beliefs, an IOC member said.

Australia's Kevan Gosper said he expected Chinese authorities would be able to protect athletes after they announced last week they had foiled terrorist plots to kidnap foreign journalists, tourists and athletes during the August Games.

Gosper also said athletes would be free to discuss their political beliefs on issues such as Tibet, provided they followed the guidelines set out in the Olympic Charter and the advice from each National Olympic Committee's (NOC's) chief of mission.

"We will give clear guidance to the NOCs on how to advise their athletes," he said.

"They will be free to speak. All we would ask of them is that they respect the Olympic Charter.

"Please don't demonstrate on political or religious or racial issues in the Olympic precinct, like on the podium or in the village."