Watchdog

Russia has assured the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it will not discriminate against homosexuals during next year's Winter Olympics in Sochi, despite a law banning homosexual "propaganda" that has provoked sharp international criticism.

The IOC said in a statement that it had received a letter from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak giving "strong" reassurances that "everyone will be welcome at the Games in Sochi regardless of their sexual orientation."

The IOC also quoted Kozak as saying that "Russia has committed itself to comply strictly" with the Olympic Charter, which bans any discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation.

Kozak's letter came after the IOC asked Russia for clarifications on the law and how it could impact on the Winter Olympics in Sochi, scheduled for February 7-23, 2014.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP

VITSEBSK, Belarus -- A Belarusian physician critical of local officials has reportedly gone on hunger strike after being forced into a psychiatric hospital in the eastern city of Vitsebsk.

A Vitsebsk court ruled on August 21 that Ihar Pasnou should be held in the clinic for treatment.

Pasnou, 48, was forcibly hospitalized last week after he posted video statements on YouTube criticizing local officials for poor health care in the city.

He insists he is healthy and his forced treatment is a form of retaliation by authorities.

Local activist Syarhey Ryzhou told RFE/RL on August 22 that Pasnou started the hunger strike to protest the possibility that he will be treated with mind-altering drugs.

The court's ruling allows for such treatments.

The clinic's deputy chief physician, Ihar Svirkunou, refused to comment to RFE/RL regarding reports about Pasnou's hunger strike.