11 Jan 2014

Russia allows protests near Sochi

11:58 am on 11 January 2014

Russia says protests will be allowed at the Sochi Winter Games next month - but only in a park located away from the main Olympic venues.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak says protesters at the Black Sea resort of Sochi will be able to gather in a park in the seaside suburb of Khosta.

He says people can freely express their opinion there, while not breaching the rights of other citizens or the Olympic Charter.

The suburb of Khosta is located around 18 kilometres from the Olympic Cluster, containing the Olympic Stadium and other venues, and around 20 kilometres from central Sochi.

Russia's hosting of the Winter Games has prompted a storm of international concern over its rights situation, particularly a ban on promoting homosexuality to minors.