Russian Paralympic Committee President: Ban on Paralympians competing at Rio 'grave human rights abuse'

The president of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) has argued that the ban on the team competing in Rio following the state doping scandal is a "grave human rights abuse" and "unfair".

Vladimir Lukin added that the overwhelming majority of Russian Paralympians are not guilty of doping.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Mr Lukin added that he was ready to prove that the Russian Paralympic team fulfilled all its anti-doping obligations.

On Sunday the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said they had "no option" but to take such action following the Russian state doping scandal.

IPC President Sir Philip Craven said it was an "unprecedented attack on every clean athlete who competes in sport."

The decision by the IPC was "filthy and inhumane", Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova has said.