China’s threat to ‘punish’ Olympic athletes for free speech ‘very concerning’, Australia says

Sports minister Richard Colbeck says Australia opposes advisory on political comments from Beijing Winter Olympics committee

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Potential restrictions on athletes' speech at the Beijing Winter Olympics are very concerning", Australia's sports minister, Richard Colbeck, has said after China warned of punishment" for political comments at next month's Games.

Colbeck said the Australian government opposed China's advisory, and maintained athletes had the right to free speech on the Olympic stage.