Athletes' Neutrality Under Scrutiny at Paris Olympics

International rights group Global Rights Compliance has accused ten Russian and seven Belarusian athletes, cleared for the Paris Olympics, of breaking the IOC's neutrality rules concerning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The group insists these athletes should be barred from competing, citing evidence it says the IOC has ignored.

The athletes in question are part of a group of 31 Russians and Belarusians vetted by the IOC's review panel for participation in the Games running from July 26 to August 11. Global Rights Compliance argues the IOC needs to adhere to its policies and 'ban pro-war athletes' in line with UN Human Rights Principles.

Specific athletes, such as Russian cyclist Alena Ivanchenko and tennis player Elena Vesnina, are noted for engaging in pro-war social media activities. Meanwhile, the IOC and its corporate partners face calls to reconsider their stance to avoid inadvertent endorsement of Russia's wartime actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)