Strict ID checks at Sochi Olympics raise concerns among travelers

The Washington Post reports that the organizers of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi have introduced some of the most extensive identity checks and sweeping security measures ever seen at an international sports event, raising concerns that they are stifling dissent and violating privacy under the pretext of fulfilling their pledge to make the games “the safest Olympics in history.” With an Islamist insurgency raging across the North Caucasus Mountains east of the Black Sea resort, Russia’s security agencies have had carte blanche to ensure that nothing spoils President Vladimir Putin’s pet project. While the official line is that the stringent measures are meant to block the terror threat, critics say the Kremlin is equally concerned about preventing anti-Putin protesters from raising an embarrassing ruckus at the games. Read article