The Big Brother of the Olympics

By Vestnik Kavkaza

For several years, Russian law-enforcement bodies and special services have been trying to resolve the problem of providing security at the Sochi Olympic Games. The most dangerous threat for any large arrangements is thought to be terrorism. A special threat comes from the so-called “lone wolf ” – potential criminals who act alone and it is difficult to predict when and where they commit their attacks.

Frontier guards promise that modern high technologies will be used in Sochi. As for the border with Abkhazia, FSB focuses not on heavy obstructions, but on the distance control of difficult to access areas, using high technologies – thermal cameras, sonic scanners and so on. The areas of the Sochi water zone, where vessel movement will be forbidden, will be known only after New Year.

On August 19, 2013, the presidential act on peculiarities of using improved security measures during the period of the Olympic Games in Sochi was adopted. It requires establishing prohibited areas in Sochi.

A representative of the FSB of Russia, Alexei Lavrishchev, spoke about the areas: “I ask you don’t be afraid… Prohibited areas are established to organize an authorized access of citizens and vehicles, first of all, to the Olympic facilities. The controlled areas which can be called “clear areas” include the territory of the Olympic Park, sporting facilities involved in holding the Games, the Olympic villages, the head and the mountain media centers, hotels of the IOC and the Olympic family members, offices of the organizational committee, as well as passenger terminals of the sea port, airport of Sochi, main railway station, and transport hubs of Sochi.”

According to Lavrishchev, “on the entrance of controlled areas the control of access will be provided. To enter the Olympic facilities or the Olympic Park, one should have a ticket together with a fan passport or Olympic authorization of being on the territory. Access to controlled areas will be provided exclusively after inspection of citizens and their stuff to prevent carrying prohibited items.”

The representative of FSB stressed that “establishing controlled and prohibited areas is a common practice for large international events, including the Olympic Games. As a rule, such measures cause no discomfort. Moreover, demonstrations, meetings, marches and picketing which are not connected with the Olympics will be prohibited in Sochi.”

Lavrinishchev also paid attention to “statements of certain human rights activists on violation of constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens by the restriction, including the so-called sexual minorities.” FSB is sure that these statements “are groundless.” “It should be considered that the work on the draft of the act began more than two years ago when there was no intention and statements on holding actions of support of LGBTs, including during the Olympics,” Lavrishchev stated. He also emphasized that there will be “no restrictions on coming and leaving Sochi by Russian and foreign citizens, as it is presented by some mass media.”