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Tibet protesters will target torch relay in London
Matthew Beard, Evening Standard28.03.08
Anti-China activists from across Europe are planning an orchestrated protest when the Olympic torch passes through London next month.
Hundreds of exiled Tibetans are expected to travel from Germany, Greece and Switzerland as the flame is paraded through the capital on 6 April.
Plans being finalised by campaign groups include a protest outside the Chinese Embassy, a mass rally in the capital and a stunt on the Thames. Major campaign groups such as Free Tibet and Amnesty say their aim is to cause maximum embarrassment to the Chinese regime but stunts will stop short of disrupting the relay.
They expect support for the cause to have been boosted by China's recent crackdown on Tibetans in the past two weeks, killing at least 135 people.
Paris-based Reporters Without Frontiers has said it may try to match its coup this week when activists disrupted the start of the relay in Greece.
Television presenter Konnie Huq today said she would take part in the torch relay, despite earlier saying she was on the verge of pulling out over the Tibet crisis.
The former Blue Peter presenter had said she was "wavering" over whether to help carry the torch on its route from Wembley to the O2.
Huq, 32, is one of a string of personalities and athletes who are to carry the torch through central London on 6 April. Others include Sir Trevor McDonald, violinist Vanessa Mae and Dame Kelly Holmes.
Today she said she may use her role in the event to highlight her concerns over the Chinese crackdown.
"China has a lot to answer for, and I've been struggling with it. Obviously I condemn what they're doing," she said. "I think the situation is terrible, and I think that anyone who is doing [the relay] should speak out on their views.
"It would be embarrassing for China if anyone taking part took a stand but still ran."
Meanwhile, pro-Tibet demonstrators scaled the walls of a UN compound in Kathmandu, Nepal, today as the unrest in the Himalayan region deepened.
Tibetans in Nepal have been protesting almost every day since the crisis began this month in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa.
Hundreds of people, including nuns and monks, were detained.
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Reader views (13)
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You guys make me sick. How much do you know about Tibet and the situation there? How much do you know the neutrality and accuracy of western media including BBC, CNN and those stupid German and French news agencies? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
- John, China, Wuxi China
I think torch bearers should run but take every media opportunity to protest against the Chinese treatment of Tibet. Wearing the Tibet flag or Free Tibet message would highlight their views visually. These Olympics provide a chance to educate people as to the Tibetan situation.
- Jean Dainty, Nr Colchester England
So what! what have you done could spring to mind, I m sure you or I in her position would take the chance... or at least think about it. Who cares what she's done? I'd be happy if they gave it to the woman from tescos.
- Nick, Lichfield UK
