Russia Ramps Up Surveillance for Sochi Olympics
Russia plans to spy on "all communications" of athletes and spectators at the Sochi Olympics.
An investigation by Britain’s The Guardian newspaper raises concerns about the scope of the Russian FSB security service’s surveillance operations at the Games.
Documents obtained by the newspaper claim to show that the FSB will be able to intercept any telephony or data traffic "and even track the use of sensitive words or phrases mentioned in emails, webchats and on social media" thanks to upgrades to the Sorm surveillance system in the Black Sea resort.
Russian security analysts said the authorities have been installing the surveillance system since 2010.
The Guardian reports that the U.S. State Department's bureau of diplomatic security sent out a leaflet earlier in 2013 warning those attending the Sochi Games to exercise caution in their communications.
One target may be athletes or visitors who breach Russia’s new anti-gay law.
The law, which has sparked global outrage among gay rights activists, bans discussion and displays of so-called "non-traditional" relationships around minors.
Russian authorities could use their enhanced spying capabilities to crackdown on pro-gay protestors, it is claimed.
Medal Tally Projection
Norway is still poised to top the medal tally for the Sochi Olympics and, along with Germany, will come home with a record medal haul.
Infostrada Sports released their latest "Virtual Medal Table" for the Games, predicting 37 medals with 15 gold for Norway in Sochi with Germany taking the same overall number of medals but fewer gold. Team USA set the NOC record for 37 medals at the Vancouver Olympics.
Canada and the United States are also in position to finish at the top of the tally.
In March, Infostrada predicted Norway over Canada for the top spot.
The rankings are based on an analysis of countries’ performances leading up to the Games, and changes after each competition.
Amnesty International Protest Blocked, Concerns Raised
Amnesty International’s continued campaign to highlight what it calls "Russia’s appalling human rights record" was thwarted by Russian authorities.
The NGO had planned a protest for the start of the torch relay in Moscow but their permit was denied access. A statement from Amnesty says Russian authorities claimed they would be unable to provide security for the event, proposed in Pushkin Square with 15 activists. Amnesty also claimed their alternative sites were not even considered. Instead, the government offered a site far removed from the Moscow center.
"Why have the authorities failed even to consider our proposed alternative sites?," asked said John Dalhuisen, Europe and Central Asia program director.
"Presumably, the answer to this question lies in the actual aims of the picket which was intended to highlight the authorities’ intolerance of dissent."
On Thursday, Amnesty said in a separate statement that the torch relay can "throw light on Russian human rights violations."
Written by Mark Bisson and Ed Hula III
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