German President Joachim Gauck will not attend the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, next year over human- rights concerns.
A spokeswoman for Mr. Gauck confirmed a report by the magazine Der Spiegel that the German president made the decision in protest against human rights violations and the harassment of Russian opposition political figures.
Mr. Gauck, an outspoken critic of Russia’s human-rights record, is yet to visit the country since taking office last March, The Associated Press reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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