On the Scene in Beijing – Security Increases for Media, Zero Explanation

An armored car with a machine gun now guards the Main Press Center of the Beijing Olympics. (ATR)(ATR) Spokesmen for BOCOG and the IOC are at a loss to explain a sudden increase in security for media covering the Beijing Olympics that includes an armored personnel carrier parked outside the Main Press Center.

“I don’t think there is a real threat to the media,” declared BOCOG vice president Wang Wei in response to a question about the security increase.

Despite his role as a senior BOCOG executive and spokesman, Wang said he did not know a military vehicle was parked in front of the MPC.

“With regard to the previously happened stabbing incident, I think the relevant authorities may have increased the security level. The point is that they should not, well, create a negative effect to the access. They should not present an inconvenience for the media, I think that is the point” said Wei.

“So if that’s a reassurance, I think that is a good thing,” he said, failing to deliver any explanation for what may have prompted the sudden security ramp-up.

Notices posted at the entrance to the media villages Monday night said that increased security measures were in place as of August 11. For media returning to their apartments, this now includes a mag-and-bag check. Previously, residents of the apartment blocks had only to display their credentials to return to their rooms.

As a general rule in past Olympic Games, BOCOG vice president Wang Wei says the increased security is for the protection of media, but could not elaborate on any specific threats. (ATR)journalists have not had to comply with orders to have their bags and bodies checked to enter media housing; a credential has sufficed.

“The purpose is to insure the safety of the two media villages,” says a notice posted at the security turnstile to the media village.

IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies was not able to say whether the IOC Coordination Commission was informed of the need to increase security for media. The A notice posted on a security turnstile at the media village announces increased security. (ATR)coordination commission, chaired by the IOC President, meets regularly during the Games to review issues such as security matters.

The increase in security apparently applies also to the Olympic Village, where Swat teams with automatic weapons are now stationed outside the entrance.

“It’s meant to be protective. To safeguard the security of the athletes and everybody,” says Wang Wei.

“I’ve seen those kind of things in other games,” he says.

The security increase comes in the face of criticism by IOC members over the way China is implementing Games-time security.

"The Chinese are scaring the wits out of foreigners. We can't have it like this. When, in addition, they have weapons and look scary, it is even worse," Gerhard Heibergof Norway is quotedin the Oslo newspaper Aftenpost.

Written by Ed Hula

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