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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.
Reader views (13)
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
All runners should arrange with friends an RV to stop and don a "FREE TIBET" overshirt. This would excuse their taking part in a Chinese propaganda exercise and would defeat the govt's aim to stop effective protest. They should also make sure they divert and pose for photos in front of suitable banners.
- Ian Joseph Spurr, Maldon,Essex,England
Sorry to be thick, but who exactly is Konnie Huq?
- Annabelle, london
If I was in this situation and serious about protesting, I will probably close my mouth, and once the flame in my hand, just sit down and protest in the front of the millions of viewers and then blow that torch off.
It is good to remember that the Olympic Committee is to blame for their choice of host country. From inside information, it is clear that "Brown Envelops" play a major role in choosing host countries for the Olympic games. A very established practice amongst the different sport's bodies based next to each other in Switzerland. Remember 1936, no problem dealing with the Nazis.
- Lauren, London Uk
The Chinese leadership is probably already shaking in boots, or maybe they, like the nightclub bouncer, do not know who this person is.
- Gamini De Silva, Reading, England
well - if LUL strike - is it part of the protest as well!
- Jc, London, UK
If she don't agree with what is happening in Tibet, Konnie should not be seen carrying the torch. Or she just after a bit of publicity her and her left wing friends
- Loubeelou, Horsham
The word's So What! spring to mind. I am sure the Chinese authorities are re-thinking their entire human rights strategy because Konnie Huq is not going to be a torch bearer. What exactly has she done to receive this honour anyway? And what actions has she taken to support the Free Tibet movement in the past?
- Howard, London, UK
Good girl Konnie!... Representing people with a conscience everywhere!
- Fraser, Telford Park
Well done Konnie - BUT like all of us, we still need to do more to help the Tibetan people regain their homeland. Then the Dalai Lama and so many others can return to their land, which the greedy Chinese government have occupied for too many years. Do not buy Chinese goods and whenever the opportunity arises speak out about this great injustice and say it loud and often.
- Mrs Joanie Patel, London
Good for her, if only our spineless politicians would do the same.
- Lee Kimeecok, Waterloo
