Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee, has asked that critics of China's human rights keep perspective.
This was in response to Sir Matthew Pinsent's report that he had seen child gymnasts being beaten by their coaches.
Rogge said that he condemned physical abuse, and has ordered an inquiry into Pinsent's allegations.
Rogge is quoted as saying:
"While it is not for us to condone what might not be acceptable, you also have to look at the cultural factor. I don't need to remind you of the fact that physical punishment was still in use in English public schools until, I believe, the 1970s."
Adding:
"The IOC has been very clear in saying to the Chinese authorities that the IOC stands for human rights and that we would hope that they would make the maximum progress."
That's alright then!
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