Playing politics in the Olympics

Protester chants while standing outside of the Russian Embassy during a protest against Russia’s anti-gay legislation in New York, New York, USA, 31 July 2013. (EPA/JUSTIN LANE)

Russia’s Sochi Games are the most expensive and arguably the most controversial in Olympic history. Alleged rights abuses, security concerns and restrictions against gays are fueling calls for protests and even a boycott. Should the games just be games, or a platform for political protest too? Join the conversation at 19:30 GMT.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Caitlin Cahow, @OchoCahow 
Member of the US delegation to Sochi
caitlincahow.net 

Masha Gessen, @mashagessen
Journalist

Jane Buchanan, @JaneMBuchanan
Lead researcher for Human Rights Watch on Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

Peter Tchernyshev
Former Olympian

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.