Turkish state TV rejects claims it will censor women’s figure skating in Sochi

ANKARA

TRT stated that it would air the figure skating events, just like all other women’s sports events at the 2014 Sochi Games, which start on Feb. 7. AFP Photo

Turkey’s state TV station has strongly rejected claims that it will not air figure skating events at next month’s Winter Olympic Games due to the revealing outfits of female athletes.

TRT released a statement on Jan. 23 to refute reports that spread online on Jan. 22. It stated that it would air the figure skating events, just like all other women’s sports events at the 2014 Sochi Games, which start on Feb. 7.

“We expect an apology from those who claim that TRT is practicing censorship, and we also invite them to come to watch the Winter Olympic Games on TRT Spor,” the statement said, adding that the broadcast schedule for the Games had been prepared a month ago and included women’s figure skating.

The statement highlighted that TRT had aired all female events in the 2012 London Olympic Games, as well as last year’s European Swimming Championships, WTA Women’s Tennis Championships and the 2010 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Reports that TRT would not air women’s figure skating had created a social media furor after a number of websites published the claims.