Several countries, led by the United States, will implement a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics, marking China's human rights abuses.
Sweden will also not send a representative to Beijing, but for other reasons, says Minister of Sports Anders Ygeman (S).
Follows the Olympics from home
- I have spoken with SOK (Swedish Olympic Committee) today and said that I will not participate in the Olympics in Beijing.
Just as the government did not participate in the Olympics in Tokyo, Ygeman tells TT.
The reason is not political, but is based on the continued spread of covid-19 in the world, Ygeman emphasizes.
- It is not a diplomatic boycott.
We present the criticism we have of China, which is well known, within the diplomatic and political channels we have.
- The main reason is practical, given the covid situation that prevails, it is not possible for me to participate in the games.
But I will of course follow the games from home and will also participate in some digital activities together with participants and leaders in the Swedish squad.
Discussed boycott
TT: Has a diplomatic boycott been on the table?
– Vi har diskuterat det med länder i Norden och inom EU-kretsen. Men Sverige har för vana att delta i internationella sportevenemang och tycker inte att det är rimligt att lägga en större börda på enskilda aktiva än vad man kan göra på IOK (Internationella olympiska kommittén) eller på Fifa (Internationella fotbollsförbundet) när vi pratar fotbolls-VM. Då är det också rimligt att de som deltar kan räkna med att ha regeringens och Sveriges stöd, säger Anders Ygeman.
OS i Peking avgörs 4-20 februari.