With only a week left before the Paris Paralympics, concerns arise over the exclusion of athletes and journalists. The head of the Russian Paralympic Committee, Pavel Rozhkov, revealed that four athletes were denied accreditation and visas by the French security services, while two swimmers will arrive late due to processing delays. This situation has left many athletes in training, awaiting further decisions.
The exclusion of TASS journalists from the Games has also sparked outrage, with Russian officials labeling it as discrimination based on nationality. The IPC has stated that the organizing committee and national authorities are responsible for these decisions. The situation has been criticized as a political maneuver against Russia, with calls for more openness and less political influence in sports.
Experts suggest that the exclusion of athletes and media might be politically motivated, with some athletes reportedly warned against expressing their opinions on social media. This has raised concerns about the freedom of expression and the integrity of the Paralympic movement, as officials call for a reevaluation of how athletes and journalists are treated in international competitions.
