A few days ago, about 30 police officers broke into the home of Chinese activist Hu Jia and took him away. His wife, fellow activist Zeng Jinyan, is now under house arrest. At least 10 security personnel guard her home. Mr Hu's arrest comes as China celebrates the start of one of its most important years in recent history.

French Olympic Committee president Henri Derandour was convicted on corruption charges on 12 October 2006 and given a suspended three-month prison sentence. He is also a member of the International Olympic Committee