From Spiegel Online:
China’s government has come under massive international criticism (more…) over its human rights record in the run-up up to the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer. China wanted to use the Olympics to show the world a new, modern face but the plan seems to be backfiring as Western countries sharply criticize China’s handling of protests in Tibet last month. Some have even openly considered boycotting the Games.
SPIEGEL spoke to prominent human rights activist Liu Xiaobo about the current situation of human rights in China and the prospects for change.
SPIEGEL: A few months before the Olympic Games, criticism is mounting against the Chinese government — both for its activity in Tibet and the fact that it throws human rights activists such as Hu Jia in jail. Did Beijing underestimate the consequences of hosting the Games?
Liu: I don’t think so. The leadership knew that the conviction of Hu Jia would ruffle feathers. But it wasn’t reckoning with the protests in Tibet. Now the entire world has its eyes on China. The response of European countries has been especially tough, much tougher than the US response. That surprised Beijing.
