The Daily Post in Wales reports that the Welsh flag has been banned from official venues at the Beijing Olympics in a crackdown by Chinese authorities. Supporters and competitors travelling to the Games face a strict ban on waving the Ddraig Goch in celebration. Only the flags of the 205 Olympic nations, including Great Britain, can be taken into the showpiece arenas, according to “house rules” published by the organising committee for the Games.

The rule, believed to be aimed at potential Tibetans, independence demonstrators, effectively vetoes the Welsh and Scottish flags., traditionally seen atinternational events.

Cathy Owens, Welsh director of Amnesty International, said:

It would be a terrible shame if the Welsh flag were banned from the Olympics, but with so many domestic activists silenced, I’m not surprised the Chinese authorities want to control what can be seen at venues.

To us, in Wales it’s absurd we can’t fly our flag at the Olympics. For people in China the repression of free speech is much more serious. Saying the wrong thing can land you in prison and many journalists and activists have been arrested.

The Beijing rules for spectators state: To avoid delays at security and to maintain an orderly flow, please DO NOT bring the following articles to any venue: flags of non-members of the Olympics or Paralympics; flags or banners larger than 2 m x 1 m; flagpoles; any banners, slogans, fliers, brochures or samples.

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