IOC president: Criticism of Russia’s anti-gay law will not detract from Sochi

SOCHI, Russia — International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach says heavy security and criticism of Russia’s anti-gay law will not detract from the Sochi Olympics.

Bach also reiterates his defense of Russia’s spending on the games, saying the money is going to the long-term transformation of the region.

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Speaking at a news conference four days before the opening ceremony, Bach voiced confidence in Russia’s ability to deliver a safe Olympics amid threats of terror attacks by insurgents from the North Caucasus.

Bach says “I have been assured before coming here and I am still assured being here.”

The IOC leader adds “we have to address this because anything else would be surrender to terrorists” and “this is last thing we all want to do.”