According to the letter, Chinese authorities are planning to compile files on journalists, and wish to reserve the right to turn them back, even if they are properly accredited by the National Olympic Committees.

“Other Olympic cities compiled files on journalists in the past, but this was for organisational purposes and never with the intention of refusing entry on grounds which -  as everyone must realize in the case of Beijing - are political,” said the RSF letter.

The letter, addressed to Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, urges him to further pressure China to relax its policies before the games.

At this point, the fate of media coverage and journalists during the Olympic games remains uncertain and jeopardized by these potential restraints.

Read the full letter below.

Source: Reporters Without Borders