Russia's communist party head displays banner at Sochi Games, resists when asked to take down

SOCHI, Russia – The head of Russia's Communist Party held up a hammer-and-sickle Soviet banner during a flower ceremony at the Winter Olympics, leading to a confrontation with staff over violating Olympic rules barring political statements at the games.

A series of photographs taken Friday night shows Gennady Zyuganov in a group of five men in the stands displaying the historic Soviet Banner of Victory while medals were being awarded in three short track speedskating events at the Iceberg Skating Palace.

The banner was a replica of the flag raised by Soviet soldiers in Berlin in 1945, in victory over Nazi Germany.

IOC spokesman Anthony Edgar says it looks at the situation no differently than it would other displays that aren't allowed.

Sochi organizers plan no further investigation and consider the matter closed.