OLYMPICS NEWS:ISLAMIST EXTREMISTS have launched a hate campaign against two Tunisian Olympic medallists accusing them of inappropriate behaviour and dress.
The action came as debate grows over the role of religion and women in the country that unleashed the Arab Spring uprisings.
Radicals on social media networks called on the government to strip Habiba Ghribi, the first Tunisian woman to win an Olympic medal, of her nationality because her running gear was too revealing. She won the silver in the 3,000-metre steeplechase.
And a Facebook campaign by extremist group Ansar al Chariaa is targeting swimmer Oussama Mellouli for drinking juice before racing during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Mellouli won gold in the 10-kilometre marathon and bronze in the 1,500 metre freestyle.
Tunisia is run by a moderate Islamist-led government that is facing increasing challenges from religious extremists.
Meanwhile, athletes from Guinea and Ivory Coast have joined several other Africans who have gone missing following the London Olympics. Three Guineans and three Ivorians disappeared, adding to a list of 11 Congolese and Cameroonians suspected to be trying to make new lives in Europe.
“Three members of the delegation have not returned to the Olympic village,” said Adama Doumbia, technical adviser at the ministry of sports and leisure in Ivory Coast.
He did not give the names of the missing members of the delegation but said they included two swimmers and a wrestling coach.
An official on Guinea’s Olympic Committee has confirmed that swimmer Dede Camara, judo competitor Facinet Keita and runner Aicha Toure had been missing since Saturday, the day before the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium.
Games officials are already looking for a Democratic Republic of Congo judo competitor, three other members of that country’s delegation and seven Cameroonian athletes.
The London Olympic organising committee said it had notified British police about the missing Cameroonians but added the athletes would not be infringing immigration laws until their visas expired in November.
