By Emma Batha

Rights group Refugees International (RI) wrote to IOC President Jacques Rogge on Tuesday to request that [Guor] Marial be allowed to compete as an independent under the Olympic flag.

"Numerous members of Mr Marial's family have been killed by Sudanese security forces, and he himself has suffered serious physical abuse at the hands of Sudanese police," RI President Michel Gabaudan wrote.

"The threats against him are serious and were recognised as such when he gained refugee status in the United States. Therefore, asking Mr Marial to submit once again to Sudanese authority as an Olympic athlete is not acceptable."

The IOC was not immediately available for comment.

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