Protestor grabs Olympic torch as it journeys through London

Scott Anthony
The Observer
Sunday, April 6, 2008

Despite being shielded by a 50-strong pack of British policeman and Chinese security guards, the Olympic torch parade has been continually interrupted along its 31-mile journey from Wembley Stadium to the O2 Arena by those protesting at China's human rights record.

A Free Tibet protestor attempted to wrestle the Olympic flame from Blue Peter TV presenter Konnie Huq before being bundled to the ground by police in Ladbroke Grove; two others were taken away after trying to put out the torch with a fire extinguisher in Holland Park and the relay was temporarily stopped near Bloomsbury after three people went too close to Sir Clive Woodward. Throughout its journey, several other protestors also threw themselves in front of those carrying the torch. So far 10 people have been arrested, although this figure is expected to grow.

Thousands of protestors also waved banners proclaiming: "Torch of Shame", "Stop The Killing In Tibet", "No Olympic Torch In Tibet" and "China Talk To Dalai Lama". Many were wearing Tibetan flags and carrying signs including "Human rights. Not a game". While many people who lined the streets waved as the torch passed, others booed the Olympic vehicles, including a bus carrying many of the torch bearers.

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Helping to lead the chants was Buddhist monk Ngawang Khyentse, who said: "We can't just remain silent. We have no other choice than to protest because there is no other voice for Tibetans inside Tibet, so we have to speak out for human rights. At the very least the British government has to speak out and condemn the crackdown in Tibet. We are not asking for a boycott of the games, although there are many different views, we are asking for pressure to be put on the Chinese government to help the situation in Tibet."

Conservative leader David Cameron acknowledged many people were "very unhappy" about what was happening in Tibet, but he rejected calls for a boycott. "I don't think we are at the stage yet where we should be considering a boycott," he said. "I think having a policy of robust engagement with China is right."

Full article here.

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