Spielberg resigns as advisor to Beijing Olympics, citing Darfur complicity

Hollywood film director Steven Spielberg has resigned from his role as artistic advisor to the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, accusing the Chinese government of complicity in human rights violations in Darfur. Spielberg has reportedly been criticised by Darfur human rights activists, including actress Mia Farrow, who accused him of "helping to sanitise Beijing's image". The UN estimates that between 200,000 and 400,000 people have been killed and over 2.5 million displaced in the Darfur conflict, in which government forces have repeatedly been accused of committing severe human rights violations. The charges against Beijing are based on the fact that Chinese oil companies, including its largest, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), currently operate in Sudan, generating revenue for the government in Khartoum. Beijing has also been accused of providing diplomatic cover to Khartoum and for not putting more pressure on the government of Sudan to end the atrocities. Spielberg had previously donated US$1 million to the Darfur NGO Not on Our Watch and financed a 2007 documentary entitled "Darfur Now".

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