Why did Rogge refuse a moment of silence for the Munich 11?
FEARS OF ARAB BOYCOTT?
Ankie Spitzer, widow of one of the Israeli athletes killed in Munich and a long-time campaigner for an official Olympic moment of silence, told Reuters that two days ago,(July20,2012) one of Rogge's top deputies said the IOC was "afraid of an Arab boycott" if an official period of silence were ordered to commemorate the Munich incident.
ESPN.com reported that confidential IOC minutes from a meeting before the 2000 Sydney Olympics suggested that the organization had received "threatening letters on the issue from several different Arab Olympic committees."
The IOC did not respond to an e-mail requesting further comment.
:President of the Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge pauses during a press conference in the West bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010. Rogge on Tuesday expressed concern over "obstacles" facing Palestinian athletes, and in veiled criticism of Israel said athletes should be granted free movement regardless of politics.
Note the flag draped over his shoulders.
