BEIJING - Athletes will be free to speak their minds as long as they abide by Olympic rules, an International Olympic Committee official said here on Thursday.

Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC coordination commission for the Beijing Olympics, denied charges that China plans to silence the competitors when they are taking part in the August 8-24 Games.

"The Chinese have never asked us to muzzle any athlete at all," Verbruggen told a press conference. "It has never been under discussion."

But Verbruggen stressed that all athletes must respect the Olympic Charter, especially during the Olympic Games.

"The venues are first places for sports competitions, not for grandstanding or making political gestures," he said.

"Outside the Olympic venues they have freedom to say whatever they want to say."

The Olympic Charter, drawn up by the IOC, states "no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues, or other areas."