(JTA) — Iran is protesting the logo for the 2012 Olympic Games, saying it spells the word "Zion."
Mohammad Aliabadi, head of Iran’s National Olympic Committee, accused the British Olympic organizers of "racism" in a letter to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, the Iranian ILNA news agency reported, according to news agencies.
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 International Olympic Committee has rejected the complaint.
