Games flourish, freedoms diminish

China was awarded the right to organise the Olympics against a commitment that human rights would be enhanced and respected. The opposite happened. Amnesty International has said that the run-up to the Olympics brought with it a diminishing of freedom in China.

Chinese people do not enjoy freedoms including the right to freely exercise their religious beliefs. Many regulations limit if not stifle their right to worship. Prison is still a reality threatening people who practise their religion.

Many have appealed to the Chinese government, for example, to let the Catholic Church on mainland China enjoy the same freedom that it enjoys in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, it does not. It is divided into two - the Patriotic Church, which is recognised by the Chinese government, and the unofficial Church, which is recognised by the Vatican.

Although there has been a rapprochement between the two churches and the majority of Catholic bishops are recognised by both authorities, those loyal to Rome still have hanging on their head the sword of Damocles. In fact, some Catholic bishops and priests are still in prison or under house arrest.

The Olympics' beautiful opening ceremony and the high standard of the Games' overall organisation is also giving the international community a more positive image of China and its achievements. It is a pity that this success story is marred by the country's serious shortcomings. So while you enjoy the Olympics, spare a thought for those Chinese who cannot enjoy the freedoms we take for granted.