Traditionally, dictators are given box seats to the Olympics’ Opening Ceremonies. Those box seats allow brutal authoritarian leaders to grandstand on the world stage and whitewash their image internationally.
We’re asking the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to leave an Empty Box where those dictators would normally sit.
These dictators and despots rule their countries without regard for democratic norms or human rights. Between them, they are responsible for the worst crimes against humanity happening today. This list was arrived at based on a combination of the Human Rights Foundation's political regime classifications, a determination of countries with the highest number of Olympic athletes, and other troubling indicators, including lack of political rights and press freedoms.
