Russian President Vladimir Putin (center), FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left), and Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev visit Fisht Stadium, which will host World Cup matches, in Sochi on May 3.
From RFE/RL, May 15, 2018 The upcoming football World Cup organized by Russia will take place amid "the worst human rights crisis in Russia since the Soviet era," Human Rights Watch said on May 15. In a report published May 15 and titled Russia: FIFA World Cup 2018 -- Human Rights Guide For Reporters, the New York-based rights watchdog says FIFA should use its influence and bring up with the Russian authorities issues such as labor rights abuses, restrictions on basic freedoms, and the current crackdown on human rights activists. The report says the month-long tournament will take place against a backdrop of "a harsh and deteriorating environment for human rights." The report lists questions raised by Russia’s preparations for and hosting of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and touches upon broader human rights issues in Russia. It lists the routine use of restrictive legislation to curtail freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, and mentions the crackdown on dissent through the enforcement of repressive legislation and stronger online censorship. The paper describes the new human rights policies adopted by FIFA, world soccer's governing body, and their role in tackling more effectively serious human rights violations in Russia. “Global sporting events such as the World Cup draw massive international media attention,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “We hope this guide helps reporters look beyond the football pitch to broader issues of concern in Russia.” […] https://www.rferl.org/a/ahead-of-world ... n-in-russia/29227578.html
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