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Iran has accused the organizers of the 2012 Olympic Games in London of racism, saying their logo spells the word ‘Zion’, a biblical term for Jerusalem. In a letter to International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge, the head of Iran's National Olympic Committee, Mohammad Aliabadi, accuses the British organizers of "racism”, Iranian media reports. The emblem, which features jagged shapes representing the numbers 2012, has been criticized in the past for its design, which organizers say is modern and intended to catch the attention of the younger generation.
"The use of the word ‘Zion’ by the designer of Olympics logo in the emblem of the Olympics Games 2012 is a very revolting act," Aliabadi wrote, warning that if it was not changed it could "affect the participation of several countries, especially like Iran which insists on following principles and values." The letter also urges other Muslim states to oppose the "racist logo".
The IOC has rejected the complaint, declaring: “The London 2012 logo represents the figure 2012, nothing else.” The logo was unveiled in 2007.
