The nation had initially banned any political protests during the Winter Olympics and Paralympics as part of a security crackdown, but President Vladimir Putin has now signed a decree allowing demonstrations, pickets and marches to be held in specific locations in Sochi from January 7 until March 21 if previously agreed with authorities.

"The President charged the Olympic Games' organisers along with the leadership of the Krasnodar region and Sochi City Hall with picking out a spot in the city where it would be possible to freely hold actions, rallies and other events - including if necessary protests," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RIA Novosti.

As reported by insidethegames, details of the plan where first outlined to the IOC's Executive Board at its meeting in Lausanne last month.

Russia had initially banned any political protests during the Sochi 2014 Winter Games as part of a security crackdown ©AFP/Getty Images

The IOC today welcomed confirmation of the scheme.

"We welcome this announcement - it is in line with the assurances that President Putin gave us last year and part of the Russian authority's plans to ensure free expression whilst delivering safe and secure Games," a spokesman said.

The creation of protest zones is the latest in a series of moves that appear to be aimed at trying to ease international criticism of Russia's human rights record and its anti-gay propaganda legislation, which has attracted worldwide condemnation since its introduction last year.

These have included the release from jail of the Pussy Riot feminist punk protest group, dropping charges against Greenpeace activists and the surprise pardoning of long-time imprisoned former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Vladimir Putin has confirmed that all the Sochi 2014 facilities will be complete by January 20 ©AFP/Getty Images


Putin is currently in Sochi to inspect the Olympic facilities ahead of the Games, which get underway with the Opening Ceremony on February 7, and has confirmed that all the facilities will be complete by January 20.

He has visited the RusSki Gorki Jumping Centre, as well as several hotel complexes in the area, which are set to be used during the G8 Summit on June 4 and 5 this year.

He is also reported to have descended the runs of the Laura Cross-country Ski and Biathlon Centre several times.

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