BEIJING -- A spokesman for the Beijing Olympic Games Monday dismissed as "groundless" recent accusation by some overseas organizations and figures that China arrested so-called "dissidents" to ensure security of the August Games.
"In order to ensure the hosting of a successful Olympic Games, and to ensure the safety of foreign athletes and visitors, China has indeed taken a series of necessary, legitimate and reasonable security measures.
This falls in line with routines of previous Olympic Games and major international sports events," the spokesman told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
"lt is unnecessary to arrest so-called 'dissidents' for the sake of the Olympic Games. The accusation is untrue," he said.