IOC shocked by blocking of websites

The International Olympic Committee have admitted they were wrong to tell journalists that they would have free internet access during the Games.

IOC press chief Kevan Gosper insisted he was shocked that some sensitive websites had been blocked despite assurances from organisers that they would be able to work normally during the event.

He said: "Had I and the international media been informed earlier of this understanding that certain websites would be inaccessible, we would not have been taken by surprise."

Rights watchdog Amnesty International, whose website could not be accessed in the main press centre in Beijing yesterday, condemned the restrictions as "compromising fundamental human rights and betraying the Olympic values".