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Free Expression in Sport: The Case of Manizha Talash – Examining restrictions on speech in sport under international law, with a focus on Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter

    MONDIACULT Side Event | September 24, 2025 | 3pm CET | online

    As part of MONDIACULT 2025, Avant-Garde Lawyers will host an online discussion exploring how international and regional mechanisms can be used to defend cultural rights and safeguard freedom of expression in the world of sport.

    This event will spotlight the case of Manizha Talash, a young Afghan breakdancer and member of the Hazara community, who sought refuge in Europe and was selected to compete with the Olympic Refugee Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During the pre-qualifying round, Talash performed wearing clothing with the slogan “Free Afghan Women”. The International Olympic Committee deemed this a violation of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits athletes from making political statements during Olympic events, and disqualified her. Her case raises pressing questions about how far sport organisations may go in restricting expression, and what protections athletes can rely on under international law.

    Guiding Questions:

    • Why is participation in sport an important element of the right to participate in cultural life?
    • What are the obstacles to ensuring this right in Manizha’s case?
    • What are the potential avenues for artists and creators to engage with international and regional mechanisms for defence?
    • What does this case reveal about the broader right to participate in cultural life, especially for women, minorities, and displaced communities?

     

    Speakers:

    • Manizha Talash, 2024 Paris Olympian (breakdance)

    • Andra Matei, Executive Director, Avant-Garde Lawyers 

    • Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in cultural rights

    • Mark James, Professor of Sports Law, Manchester Metropolitan University

    Led by Andra Matei, this discussion brings together athletes, legal experts, academics, and international stakeholders to discuss participation in sports as an essential dimension of cultural rights. We will examine the legal issues surrounding Talash’s disqualification, and explore how to build stronger pathways to justice and advocacy for those whose voices are restricted.

    Free Expression in Sport: The Case of Manizha Talash

     Examining restrictions on speech in sport under international law, with a focus on Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter

    MONDIACULT 2025 Side Event

    September 24, 2025 | 15h CET | online

    Image of Manizha holding

    “Free Afghan Women” slogan credit to Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesÂ