China revokes visa of gold medalist, Darfur activist Cheek

Olympic gold medalist Joey Cheek has had his visa revoked by the Chinese government for his ardent support of the Sudan region of Darfur. Cheek is the founder of Team Darfur, a group of 70 athletes who work to raise global awareness about human-rights in Darfur. China has military, economic and diplomatic ties to the despotic government of Sudan which has been directing a systematic program of genocide against people in the Darfur region.


Cheek released a prepared statement:
"I am saddened not to be able to attend the Games. The Olympic Games represent something powerful: that people can come together from around the world and do things that no one thought were possible. However, the denial of my visa is a part of a systemic effort by the Chinese government to coerce and threaten athletes who are speaking out on behalf of the innocent people of Darfur."


China should be held accountable for its contemptible support of the Sudanese government.