2008 Summer Olympics torch relay

none December 2020 2008 Summer Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Emblem.svg Beijing, China Greece, China, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, United Kingdom, France, United States, Argentina, Tanzania, Oman, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau 137000 km mi on 21,880 Journey of Harmony March 24, 2008 August 8, 2008 thumb|right|The 2008 Olympic Torch in London The 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay was run from March 24 until August 8, 2008, prior to the 2008 Summer Olympics, with the theme of "one world, one dream". Plans for the relay were announced on April 26, 2007, in Beijing, China.April 26, 2007 Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 International Olympic Committee April 26, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070429032528/http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 April 29, 2007 live The relay, also called by the organizers as the "Journey of Harmony", lasted 129 days and carried the torch 137000 km mi on – the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition was started ahead of the 1936 Summer Olympics. After being lit at the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece on March 24, the torch traveled to the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens, and then to Beijing, arriving on March 31. From Beijing, the torch was following a route passing through six continents. The torch visited cities along the Silk Road, symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. The relay also included an ascent with the flame to the top of Mount Everest on the border of Nepal and Tibet, China from the Chinese side, which was closed specially for the event.Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled April 26, 2007 April 26, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070429041207/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml April 29, 2007 dead See also: 'No change in Tibet torch rally route', Times of India, Retrieved April 10, 2008. In many cities along the North American and European route, the torch relay was attended by advocates of Tibetan independence, animal rights, nudism, legal online gambling,https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-apr-10-me-torch10-story.html Olympic torch San Francisco January 13, 2009 Los Angeles Times April 10, 2008 Maria L. La Ganga and people protesting against China's human rights record,"Torch relay in San Francisco draws massive protest" https://web.archive.org/web/20120325074447/http://articles.cnn.com/2008-04-08/us/us.olympic.torch_1_olympic-torch-three-protesters-massive-protest?_s=PM%3AUS March 25, 2012 , CNN, April 8, 2008"Paris protests force cancellation of torch relay" https://web.archive.org/web/20080408070101/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23978408/ April 8, 2008 , MSNBC, May 6, 2008 resulting in confrontations at a few of the relay locations. These protests, which included thousands of people in San Francisco,Gordon Rachel Schevitz Tanya Fagan Kevin Lagos Marisa Torch leaves S.F. after surprise route shift http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Torch-leaves-S-F-after-surprise-route-shift-3218629.php August 16, 2017 SFGate.com April 10, 2008 1 forced the path of the torch relay to be changed or shortened on a number of occasions. The torch was extinguished by Chinese security officials several times during the Paris leg for security reasons, and once in protest in Paris. Paris protests force cancellation of torch relay. MSNBC April 7, 2008 http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23978408/ April 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080408070101/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23978408/ April 8, 2008 dead The attacks on the torch in London and Paris were described as "despicable" by the Chinese government, condemning them as "deliberate disruptions... who gave no thought to the Olympic spirit or the laws of Britain and France" and who "tarnish the lofty Olympic spirit", and vowed they would continue with the relay and not allow the protests to "impede the Olympic spirit".China condemns "despicable" torch disruptions, Reuters. April 7, 2008. Large-scale counter-protests by overseas Chinese and foreign-based Chinese nationals became prevalent in later segments of the relay. No major protests were visible in the Latin America, Africa, and Western Asia legs of the torch relay. Prompted by the chaotic torch relays in Western Europe and North America, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge described the situation as a "crisis" for the organization and stated that any athletes displaying Tibetan flags at Olympic venues could be expelled from the games.IOC flags athlete free speech dilemma April 12, 2008 The Australian http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23524747-5014197,00.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080415041814/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23524747-5014197,00.html April 15, 2008 Olympic Official Calls Protests a ‘Crisis’, The New York Times. April 11, 2008. However, he stopped short of cancelling the relay altogether despite calls to do so by some IOC members.IOC mulls cancellation of torch relay, USAToday. April 8, 2008. The outcome of the relay influenced the IOC's decision to scrap global relays in future editions of the games.IOC mulls abandoning international routes in future, The Economic Times. April 8, 2008.https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/sports/othersports/28torch.html I.O.C. Bars International Torch Relays Zinser Lynn March 27, 2009 The New York Times August 3, 2012 In June 2008, the Beijing Games' Organizing Committee announced that the planned international torch relay for the Paralympic Games had been cancelled. The Committee stated that the relay was being cancelled to enable the Chinese government to "focus on the rescue and relief work" following the Sichuan earthquake."International torch relay for Beijing Paralympic Games cancelled", Xinhua, June 25, 2008 Relay elements Torch thumb|right|2008 Olympic Torch on display in the Olympic Museum. Olympic Flame The Olympic Torch is based on traditional scrolls and uses a traditional Chinese design known as "Lucky Cloud". It is made from aluminum. It is 72 centimetres high and weighs 985 grams. The torch is designed to remain lit in 65 kilometre per hour (37 mile per hour) winds, and in rain of up to 50 millimetres (2 inches) per hour.The Beijing Olympic Torch https://web.archive.org/web/20130514013509/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/image07/s214233067/n214233090.shtml May 14, 2013 , The Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics Torch Relay An ignition key is used to ignite and extinguish the flame. The torch is fueled by cans of propane. Each can will light the torch for 15 minutes.zh 示威不斷　聖火難傳 境外是否續運 奧委周五定奪 https://web.archive.org/web/20080411222226/http://www1.appledaily.atnext.com/template/apple/art_main.cfm?iss_id=20080409&sec_id=4104&subsec_id=11866&art_id=10966042 April 11, 2008 , Apple Daily. It is designed by a team from Lenovo Group. The Torch is designed in reference to the traditional Chinese concept of the 5 elements that make up the entire universe. Lanterns thumb|Beijing 2008 lantern. The Olympic flame is supposed to remain lit for the whole relay.The Torch Relay lantern https://web.archive.org/web/20080408185708/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/image07/s214233067/n214233140.shtml April 8, 2008 , The Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics Torch Relay When the Torch is extinguished at night, on aircraft, in bad weather, or during protests (such as the several occasions in Parisfr"La Chine condamne les troubles sur le parcours de la flame" https://web.archive.org/web/20080412000353/http://www.france24.com/fr/20080408-perturbation-san-francisco-avant-arrivee-flamme-jo-2008-san-francisco%26navi%3DFRANCE April 12, 2008 , France 24, April 8, 2008), the Olympic flame is kept alight in a set of 8 lanterns.May 2008 Aircraft Internationally, the torch and its accompanying party traveled in a chartered Air China Airbus A330 (registered B-6075), painted in the red and yellow colors of the Olympic Games.Olympic Torch Emits 5,500 Tons of CO2, ABC News (April 9, 2008).https://archive.today/20130201134600/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS157413+18-Mar-2008+PRN20080318 Air China Successfully Wins the Title of 'Designated Olympic Torch Carrier', Reuters (March 18, 2008). Air China was chosen by the Beijing Committees of the Olympic Games as the designated Olympic torch carrier in March 2008 for its long-standing participation in the Olympic cause. The plane traveled a total of 137000 km on for a duration of 130 days through 21 countries and regions.http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080407005431/en Air China Carries the Olympic Torch around the Globe Route thumb|Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Route around the world left|thumb|2008 Torch Relay in China 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route The route carried the torch through six continents from March 2008 to May 2008 to August 2008. The planned route originally included a stop in Taipei between Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong, but there was disagreement in Beijing and Taipei over language used to describe whether it was an international or a domestic part of the route. While the Olympic committees of China and Chinese Taipei reached initial consensus on the approach, the government of the Republic of China in Taiwan intervened, stating that this placement could be interpreted as placing Taiwan on the same level as Hong Kong and Macau, an implication it objected to. The Beijing Organizing Committee attempted to continue negotiation,USA Today Taiwan rejects China's torch relay plans https://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2007-04-26-china-torch-taiwan-tibet_N.htm April 26, 2007 April 26, 2007 Stephen Wade but further disputes arose over the flag or the anthem of the Republic of China along the 24 km torch route in Taiwan.http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2007/09/12/2003378404 Editorial: New Olympic event: Torch tug-of-war The Taipei Times September 12, 2007 By the midnight deadline for concluding the negotiation on September 21, 2007, Taiwan and mainland China were unable to come to terms with the issue of the Torch Relay. In the end, both sides of the Taiwan Strait decided to eliminate the Taipei leg.http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-09-21-voa11.cfm Taiwan, China Fail to Reach Agreement on Olympic Torch Route dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071109092026/http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-09-21-voa11.cfm November 9, 2007 Sequence of events International and HK/Macau leg Greece: On March 24, 2008, the Olympic Flame was ignited at Olympia, Greece, site of the ancient Olympic Games. The actress Maria Nafpliotou, in the role of a High Priestess, ignited the torch of the first torchbearer, a silver medalist of the 2004 Summer Olympics in taekwondo Alexandros Nikolaidis from Greece, who handed the flame over to the second torchbearer, Olympic champion in women's breaststroke Luo Xuejuan from China.Olympic Flame begins relay in Greece https://web.archive.org/web/20080327174628/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/ceremonies/greece/news/n214279617.shtml March 27, 2008 at the Official Website of the Torch Relay Following the recent unrest in Tibet, three members of Reporters Without Borders, including Robert Ménard,http://www.lemonde.fr/actualite-medias/article/2008/04/08/robert-menard-le-grain-de-sable-des-jo_1032280_3236.html Robert Ménard, le grain de sable des JO Le Monde France April 8, 2008 fr breached security and attempted to disrupt a speech by Liu Qi, the head of Beijing's Olympic organising committee during the torch lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece.http://news.smh.com.au/olympic-flame-begins-journey-to-china/20080324-219l.html Olympic flame begins journey to China The Sydney Morning Herald March 24, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080327202651/http://news.smh.com.au/olympic-flame-begins-journey-to-china/20080324-219l.html March 27, 2008 See also: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/25/wchina125.xml Demonstrators disrupt Olympic torch lighting The Daily Telegraph London Paul Anast Richard Spencer March 25, 2008 April 22, 2010 March 25, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080325155958/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2008%2F03%2F25%2Fwchina125.xml dead and Protests disrupt Olympic torch ceremony http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/24/torch.relay/index.html CNN dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080328234716/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/24/torch.relay/index.html March 28, 2008 The People's Republic of China called this a "disgraceful" attempt to sabotage the Olympics.http://news.smh.com.au/torch-protest-disgraceful-says-china/20080325-21h7.html Torch protest 'disgraceful', says China The Sydney Morning Herald March 25, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080410043155/http://news.smh.com.au/torch-protest-disgraceful-says-china/20080325-21h7.html April 10, 2008 See also: https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7312073.stm China raps Olympic torch protest BBC News March 25, 2008 January 1, 2010 On March 30, 2008, in Athens, during ceremonies marking the handing over of the torch from Greek officials to organizers of the Beijing games, demonstrators shouted 'Free Tibet' and unfurled banners; some 10 of the 15 protesters were taken into police detention.https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/world/30cnd-greece.html?hp Tibet Protesters Try to Disrupt Olympic Ceremony The New York Times Anthee Carassava March 31, 2008 April 22, 2010 After the hand-off, protests continued internationally, with particularly violent confrontations with police in Nepal.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/violence-in-nepal-as-tibet-protest-mars-handover-of-olympic-torch-802732.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/violence-in-nepal-as-tibet-protest-mars-handover-of-olympic-torch-802732.html May 1, 2022 subscription live Violence in Nepal as Tibetans protest Olympics The Independent London Andrew Buncombe March 31, 2008 April 22, 2010 CHN China: In China, the torch was first welcomed by Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang and State Councilor Liu Yandong. It was subsequently passed onto CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao. A call to boycott French hypermart Carrefour from May 1 began spreading through mobile text messaging and online chat rooms amongst the Chinese over the weekend from April 12, accusing the company's major shareholder, the LVMH Group, of donating funds to the Dalai Lama.https://www.theguardian.com/feedarticle?id=7463240 Chinese demand Carrefour boycott for Tibet "support" The Guardian April 15, 2008 April 19, 2008 London https://web.archive.org/web/20080420191459/http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7463240 April 20, 2008 live There were also calls to extend the boycott to include French luxury goods and cosmetic products. http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200804/20080415/article_355955.htm Carrefour boycott drive widens ShanghaiDaily.com April 15, 2008 April 19, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080420052316/http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200804/20080415/article_355955.htm April 20, 2008 live According to the Washington Times on April 15, however, the Chinese government was attempting to "calm the situation" through censorship: "All comments posted on popular Internet forum Sohu.com relating to a boycott of Carrefour have been deleted." http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/FOREIGN/871683123/1003 Chinese organize boycott of French goods Washington Times, Chris O'Brien April 15, 2008 April 19, 2008 Chinese protesters organized boycotts of the French-owned retail chain Carrefour in major Chinese cities including Kunming, Hefei and Wuhan, accusing the French nation of pro-secessionist conspiracy and anti-Chinese racism. Some burned French flags, some added Nazism's Swastika to the French flag, https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/searchpopup?picId=3943345 https://web.archive.org/web/20110525003022/http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/searchpopup?picId=3943345 dead May 25, 2011 National flag of France with swastikas added by Chinese protesters Reuters April 19, 2008 April 19, 2008 fr and spread short online messages calling for large protests in front of French consulates and embassy. The Carrefour boycott was met with anti-boycott demonstrators who insisted on entering one of the Carrefour stores in Kunming, only to be blocked by boycotters wielding large Chinese flags and hit by water bottles.http://news.sina.com/ch/nanfangdaily/102-000-101-101/2008-04-17/20422824425.html zh:昆明網友發起反抵制行動 家樂福前：國旗堵門水瓶砸人 sina.com April 17, 2008 April 18, 2008 zh https://web.archive.org/web/20080517073717/http://news.sina.com/ch/nanfangdaily/102-000-101-101/2008-04-17/20422824425.html May 17, 2008 live See also: http://fr.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080418/twl-chine-carrefour-manifestation-bd5ae06.html Un drapeau français brûlé devant un magasin Carrefour en Chine Reuters April 19, 2008 April 19, 2008 fr https://web.archive.org/web/20080422063102/http://fr.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080418/twl-chine-carrefour-manifestation-bd5ae06.html April 22, 2008 dead See also: https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK30252620080418 Angry Chinese burn French flag outside Carrefour Reuters April 18, 2008 April 19, 2008 The BBC reported that hundreds of people demonstrated in Beijing, Wuhan, Hefei, Kunming and Qingdao."Anti-French rallies across China", BBC, April 19, 2008 In response to the demonstrations, an editorial in the People's Daily urged Chinese people to "express [their] patriotic enthusiasm calmly and rationally, and express patriotic aspiration in an orderly and legal manner"."Protests continue; restraint urged", People's Daily, April 21, 2008. KAZ Kazakhstan: The first torchbearer in Almaty, where the Olympic torch arrived for the first time ever on April 2, was the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev. The route ran 20 km from Medeo stadium to Astana Square. There were reports that Uighur activists were arrested and some were deported back to China.http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h8YeAJ0bnwe7pnQi_cGKLzCfFqAQD8VPR51O0 Olympic Torch Passes Through Kazakhstan dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080407035134/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h8YeAJ0bnwe7pnQi_cGKLzCfFqAQD8VPR51O0 April 7, 2008 TUR Turkey: The torch relay leg in Istanbul, held on April 3, started on Sultanahmet Square and finished in Taksim Square. Uyghurs living in Turkey protested at Chinese treatment of their compatriots living in Xinjiang. Several protesters who tried to disrupt the relay were promptly arrested by the police.http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/03/europe/3turkey-torch.php Anti-China protest targets Olympic torch ceremony April 10, 2008 April 12, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080412004314/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/03/europe/3turkey-torch.php dead RUS Russia: On April 5 the Olympic torch arrived at Saint Petersburg, Russia. The length of the torch relay route in the city was 20 km, with the start at the Victory Square and finish at the Palace Square. Mixed martial arts icon and former PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko was one of the torch bearers. This gives him the distinction of the being the first active MMA fighter to carry the Olympic flame. right|thumb|Arrival of the Olympic Torch in the O2 Arena. GBR Great Britain: The torch relay leg held in London, the host city of the 2012 Summer Olympics, on April 6 began at Wembley Stadium, passed through the City of London, and eventually ended at O2 Arena in the eastern part of the city. The 48 km mi on leg took a total of seven and a half hours to complete, and attracted protests by pro-Tibetan independence and pro-Human Rights supporters, prompting changes to the planned route and an unscheduled move onto a bus, which was then briefly halted by protesters.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7332942.stm Clashes along Olympic torch route BBC News April 6, 2008 January 1, 2010 Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has officially complained to Beijing Organising Committee about the conduct of the tracksuit-clad Chinese security guards. The Chinese officials, seen manhandling protesters, were described by both the London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Lord Coe, chairman of the London Olympic Committee as "thugs".https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7367722.stm Home Office reports torch guards BBC News April 25, 2008 January 1, 2010 A Metropolitan police briefing paper revealed that security for the torch relay cost £750,000 and the participation of the Chinese security team had been agreed in advance, despite the Mayor stating, "We did not know beforehand these thugs were from the security services. Had I known so, we would have said no."https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/apr/22/london.olympicgames2008 London torch security cost £750,000 The Guardian UK April 22, 2008 April 22, 2010 Allegra Stratton left|thumb|Protesters at the torch relay through London Of the 80 torch-bearersRedgrave receives pleas on Tibet https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/7326580.stm BBC News April 3, 2008 April 6, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080406001525/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/7326580.stm April 6, 2008 live in London, Sir Steve Redgrave, who started the relay, mentioned to the media that he had received e-mailed pleas to boycott the event and could "see why they would like to make an issue" of it. Francesca Martinez and Richard Vaughan refused to carry the torch,Mark Horne Logan vows to run Olympic gauntlet http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Logan-vows-to-run-Olympic.3952476.jp The Scotsman April 6, 2008 Edinburgh April 5, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080407070736/http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Logan-vows-to-run-Olympic.3952476.jp April 7, 2008 dead while Konnie Huq decided to carry it and also speak out against China.Jon Kelly Burning debate over relay boycott https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7330295.stm BBC News April 3, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080406082850/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7330295.stm April 6, 2008 live The pro-Tibetan Member of Parliament Norman Baker asked all bearers to reconsider. Amid pressure from both directions, Prime Minister Gordon Brown welcomed the torch outside 10 Downing Street without holding or touching it.Clashes mar Olympic torch relay https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7332942.stm BBC News April 6, 2008 April 6, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080407031853/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7332942.stm April 7, 2008 live See also: https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7333300.stm Jowell defends torch parade role BBC News April 7, 2008 January 1, 2010 The London relay saw the torch surrounded by what the BBC described as "a mobile protective ring." Protests began as soon as Redgrave started the event, leading to at least thirty-five arrests. In Ladbroke Grove a demonstrator attempted to snatch the torch from Konnie Huq in a momentary struggle, and in a separate incident, a fire extinguisher was set off near the torch.Kelso Paul 2008-04-07 Arrests, fights, jeering: Olympic spirit flickers amid the chaos https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/07/olympicgames2008.china3 2023-01-15 The Guardian The Chinese ambassador carried the torch through Chinatown after an unpublicized change to the route amid security concerns. The torch made an unscheduled move onto a bus along Fleet Street amid security concerns and efforts to evade the protesters.http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/07/europe/07torch.php Protests of China make Olympic torch relay an obstacle course In an effort to counter the pro-Tibet protesters and show their support for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, more than 2,000 Chinese also gathered on the torch route and demonstrated with signs, banners and Chinese flags. A large number of supporters were concentrated in Trafalgar Square, displaying the Olympic slogan "One World, One Dream".zh 特拉法加广场护圣火归来 See also: zh 伦敦迎奥运火炬照片 https://web.archive.org/web/20110521105818/http://www.mitbbs.com/article_t/GreatBritain/326.html May 21, 2011 thumb|Protest in Paris displaying a flag with handcuffs representing the Olympic rings thumb|An allegedly Tibetan protester attempts to take the torch from disabled torch-bearer Jin Jing by violence in Paris.http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/10/content_7949378.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080414200007/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/10/content_7949378.htm dead April 14, 2008 Handicapped Jin receives hero's welcome for protecting Olympic torch in Paris Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2008 FRA France: The torch relay leg in Paris, held on April 7, began on the first level of the Eiffel Tower and finished at the Stade Charléty. The relay was initially supposed to cover 28 km, but it was shortened at the demand of Chinese officials following widespread protests by pro-Tibet and human rights activists, who repeatedly attempted to disrupt, hinder or halt the procession."China condemns Olympic torch disruptions" https://web.archive.org/web/20080412080108/http://www.france24.com/en/20080408-china-condemns-olympic-torch-disruption-2008-beijing-olympics%26navi%3DMONDE April 12, 2008 , France 24, April 8, 2008 A scheduled ceremony at the town hall was cancelled at the request of the Chinese authorities, and, also at the request of Chinese authorities, the torch finished the relay by bus instead of being carried by athletes.https://archive.today/20130123095904/http://www.france24.com/en/20080408-china-condemns-olympic-torch-disruption-2008-beijing-olympics&navi=MONDE?q=node/1162450 "Paris protests cut short Olympic torch relay", France 24, April 8, 2008 Paris City officials had announced plans to greet the Olympic flame with peaceful protest when the torch was to reach the French capital. The city government attached a banner reading "Paris defends human rights throughout the world" to the City Hall, in an attempt to promote values "of all humanity and of human rights."http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20080402-127972/Paris-to-greet-Olympic-flame-with-protest—mayor Paris to greet Olympic flame with protest—mayor dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140328200415/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20080402-127972/Paris-to-greet-Olympic-flame-with-protest%E2%80%94mayor March 28, 2014 Members from Reporters Without Borders turned out in large numbers to protest.http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/02/sports/EU-SPT-OLY-Olympic-Torch-Paris.php Paris City Hall and athletes to highlight human rights during Olympic torch relay An estimated 3,000 French police protected the Olympic torch relay as it departed from the Eiffel Tower and criss-crossed Paris amid threat of protests.http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/04/06/london.torch/index.html Angry protest as torch reaches London CNN dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080408050534/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/04/06/london.torch/index.html April 8, 2008 Widespread pro-Tibet protests, including an attempt by more than one demonstrator to extinguish the flame with water or fire extinguishers, prompted relay authorities to put out the flame five times (according to the police authorities in Parisfr"Flamme olympique: ce qui s'est vraiment passé à Paris" https://web.archive.org/web/20080412041828/http://www.lexpress.fr/info/quotidien/actu.asp?id=469562 April 12, 2008 , L'Express, April 8, 2008) and load the torch onto a bus, at the demand of Chinese officials."China condemns Olympic torch disruptions" https://web.archive.org/web/20120223060402/http://www.france24.com/en/20080408-olympic-torch-inflames-protesters-san-francisco-2008-beijing-olympics-usa%26navi%3DMONDE February 23, 2012 , France 24, April 8, 2008 This was later denied by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,"Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Reports of extinguished flame not true" https://web.archive.org/web/20080408183607/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/paris/news/n214297096.shtml April 8, 2008 , April 8, 2008 despite video footage broadcast by French television network France 2 which showed Chinese flame attendants extinguishing the torch.Video coverage by France 2 (at 00:14) See also: Video coverage by France 2 (at 02:21) Backup flames are with the relay at all times to relight the torch.http://us.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/04/07/oly.torchrelay/index.html Olympic torch hit by protests during Paris leg CNN dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080410103942/http://us.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/04/07/oly.torchrelay/index.html April 10, 2008 French judoka and torchbearer David Douillet expressed his annoyance at the Chinese flame attendants who extinguished the torch which he was about to hand over to Teddy Riner: "I understand they're afraid of everything, but this is just annoying. They extinguished the flame despite the fact that there was no risk, and they could see it and they knew it. I don't know why they did it."David Douillet, interviewed by France 2, April 7, 2008 right 25% The Chinese officials decided they would not stop here because they were upset by Parisian citizens expressing their support for human rights."China condemns Olympic torch disruptions" https://web.archive.org/web/20120223060402/http://www.france24.com/en/20080408-olympic-torch-inflames-protesters-san-francisco-2008-beijing-olympics-usa%26navi%3DMONDE February 23, 2012 , France 24, April 8, 2008 See also: fr"La flamme de passage à Paris" https://web.archive.org/web/20080609043442/http://www.paris.fr/portail/accueil/Portal.lut?page_id=1&document_type_id=2&document_id=52052&portlet_id=815 June 9, 2008 , official website of the mayor of Paris Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë Chinese officials canceled the torch relay ceremony amidst disruptions, including a Tibetan flag flown from a window in the City Hall by Green Party officials.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/04/07/paris.torch.canceled.ap/ Paris torch relay canceled Sports Illustrated April 7, 2008 April 7, 2008 Associated Press https://web.archive.org/web/20080411053601/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/04/07/paris.torch.canceled.ap/ April 11, 2008 dead See also: http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/jt/0,,3809772,00-flamme-olympique-fortement-chahutee-paris-.html Flamme olympique fortement chahutee TF1-LCI April 7, 2008 April 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080408205352/http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/jt/0%2C%2C3809772%2C00-flamme-olympique-fortement-chahutee-paris-.html April 8, 2008 dead fr The third torchbearer in the Paris leg, Jin Jing, who was disabled and carried the torch on a wheelchair, was assaulted several times by unidentified protesters seemingly from the pro-Tibet independent camp.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/11/AR2008041100877.html?hpid=moreheadlines A Lighter Day for Torch in Argentina The Washington Post Monte Reel Maureen Fan April 12, 2008 April 22, 2010http://sport.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7454494,00.html China rages over attack on disabled torch bearer The Guardian London February 10, 2008 April 22, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080415061812/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7454494,00.html April 15, 2008 mdy-all In interviews, Jin Jing said that she was "tugged at, scratched" and "kicked",http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4ztb8_la-flamme-olympique-chahutee-a-pari_news La flamme olympique chahutée à Paris April 7, 2008 frhttp://news.sina.com/o/2008-04-09/10483585790.shtml zh:殘疾女孩用身體護"祥雲"完成傳遞 堅強感動全世界(2) zh April 11, 2008 July 16, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716073422/http://news.sina.com/o/2008-04-09/10483585790.shtml dead but that she "did not feel the pain at the time." She received praise from ethnic Chinese worldwidehttp://english.eastday.com/eastday/englishedition/sports/userobject1ai3519597.html San Francisco torch carriers condemn disruptions of Olympic flame relay April 11, 2008 March 27, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240327120436/http://english.eastday.com/eastday/englishedition/sports/userobject1ai3519597.html dead as "Angel in Wheelchair". The Chinese government gave the comment that "the Chinese respect France a lot" but "Paris [has slapped] its own face."http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/11/content_6609477.htm Commentary: Paris slaps its own face thumb|Tibetan demonstrators kept on the sidelines by a cordon of gendarmes, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville Reporters Without Borders organised several symbolic protests, including scaling the Eiffel Tower to hang a protest banner from it, and hanging an identical banner from the Notre Dame cathedral.http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=26471 Malgré un déploiement policier massif, Reporters sans frontières mobilise largement en faveur des droits de l'homme en Chine lors du passage de la flamme à Paris Reporters Without Borders April 7, 2008 fr dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080409130825/http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=26471 April 9, 2008 See also: fr"A Paris, la flamme olympique achève son parcours à l'abri des regards", Le Monde, April 7, 2008 Several hundred pro-Tibet protesters gathered at the Trocadéro with banners and Tibetan flags, and remained there for a peaceful protest, never approaching the torch relay itself.fr"De la tour Eiffel à Charléty, la flamme dans la tourmente à Paris", Libération, April 7, 2008 See also: fr"La déroute de la flamme olympique à Paris", Le Figaro, April 7, 2008 See also: fr"Le chemin de croix de la flamme à Paris" https://web.archive.org/web/20080411001154/http://www.lesoir.be/dossiers/pekin_2008/article_589592.shtml April 11, 2008 , Le Soir, April 7, 2008 Among them was Jane Birkin, who spoke to the media about the "lack of freedom of speech" in China.fr"La flamme : deuxième épisode" https://web.archive.org/web/20080411014924/http://jconsult.lejdd.fr/2008/04/07/36-la-flamme-deuxieme-episode April 11, 2008 , Le Journal du dimanche, April 7, 2008 Also present was Thupten Gyatso, President of the French Tibetan community, who called upon pro-Tibet demonstrators to "remain calm, non-violent, peaceful".fr"JO Pékin 2008 : Manifestations pro-Tibet au Trocadéro" https://web.archive.org/web/20080410230539/http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/france/0%2C%2C3809452%2C00-manifestations-pro-tibet-trocadero-.html April 10, 2008 , LCI, April 7, 2008 French members of Parliament and other French politicians also organised a protest. All political parties in Parliament—UMP, Socialists, New Centre, Communists, Democratic Movement (centre) and Greens—jointly requested a pause in the National Assembly's session, which was granted, so that MPs could step outside and unfurl a banner which read "Respect for Human Rights in China". The coach containing the torch drove past the National Assembly and the assembled protesting MPs, who shouted "Freedom for Tibet!" several times as it passed.fr"Des députés crient "Liberté pour le Tibet" devant une flamme... invisible" https://web.archive.org/web/20080411033128/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h-GeMLUsi3KbGxNXvh1DgPr6Kpfg April 11, 2008 , AFP, 7 avril 2008 French police were criticised for their handling of the events, and notably for confiscating Tibetan flags from demonstrators. The newspaper Libération commented: "The police did so much that only the Chinese were given freedom of expression. The Tibetan flag was forbidden everywhere except on the Trocadéro."fr"La police parisienne chasse le Tibétain pour Pékin", Libération, April 8, 2008 Minister of the Interior Michèle Alliot-Marie later stated that the police had not been ordered to do so, and that they had acted on their own initiative.fr"Selon MAM, aucune instruction n’a été donnée pour confisquer les drapeaux tibétains", Libération, April 8, 2008 A cameraman for France 2 was struck in the face by a police officer, knocked unconscious, and had to be sent to hospital.France 2 video coverage, April 7, 2008 thumb|A People's Republic of China flag and a Free Panchen Lama poster with a picture of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. The Ferry Building can be seen in the background. USA United States of America: The torch relay's North American leg occurred in San Francisco, California on April 9. On the day of the relay officials diverted the torch run to an unannounced route. The start was at McCovey Cove, where Norman Bellingham of the U.S. Olympic Committee gave the torch to the first torchbearer, Chinese 1992 Olympic champion swimmer Lin Li.http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/sanfrancisco/news/n214299177.shtml Olympic torch relay concludes in San Francisco The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Torch Relay April 10, 2008 April 10, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080412072407/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/sanfrancisco/news/n214299177.shtml April 12, 2008 dead The planned closing ceremony at Justin Herman Plaza was cancelled and instead, a ceremony was held at San Francisco International Airport, where the torch was to leave for Buenos Aires.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/09/MNDS102IIM.DTL Torch leaves San Francisco after surprise route designed to thwart protesters San Francisco Chronicle April 9, 2008 April 9, 2008 Rachel Gordon Tanya Schevitz Kevin Fagan Marisa Lagos https://web.archive.org/web/20080410121902/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F04%2F09%2FMNDS102IIM.DTL April 10, 2008 dead See also: NBC Torch Relay: Bloggers Gets Close To The Action, nbc The route changes allowed the run to avoid large numbers of China supporters and protesters against China. As people found out there would be no closing ceremony at Justin Herman Plaza, there were angry reactions. One demonstrator was quoted as saying that the route changes were an effort to "thwart any organized protest that had been planned." San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, a critic of Mayor Gavin Newsom, said that it was a "cynical plan to please the Bush State Department and the Chinese government because of the incredible influence of money." Newsom, on the other hand, said he felt it was in "everyone's best interest" and that he believed people had been "afforded the right to protest and support the torch" despite the route changes. Peter Ueberroth, head of the U.S. Olympic Committee, praised the route changes, saying, "The city of San Francisco, from a global perspective, will be applauded." People who saw the torch were surprised and cheered as shown from live video of CBS and NBC. The cost to the city for hosting the event was reported to be US$726,400, nearly half of which has been recovered by private fundraising. Mayor Gavin Newsom said that "exponential" costs associated with mass arrests were avoided by his decision to change the route in consultation with police chief Heather Fong.https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Olympic-torch-s-visit-cost-S-F-726-400-3287479.php Olympic torch's visit cost S.F. $726,400 Wyatt Buchanan April 18, 2008 The San Francisco Chronicle thumb|Part of a large group of pro-Tibetan protesters moving south along the northbound lanes of The Embarcadero come into contact with pro-Chinese protesters near Pier 1 in the early afternoon. On April 1, 2008, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a resolution addressing human rights concerns when the Beijing Olympic torch arrives in San Francisco on April 9. The resolution would welcome the torch with "alarm and protest at the failure of China to meet its past solemn promises to the international community, including the citizens of San Francisco, to cease the egregious and ongoing human rights abuses in China and occupied Tibet."http://www.nbc11.com/news/15762232/detail.html SF To Greet Olympic Torch With 'Alarm And Protest' See also: http://video.nbc11.com/player/?id=235665 Video:SF To Greet Olympic Torch With 'Alarm' May 9, 2023 On April 8, numerous protests were planned including one at the city's United Nations Plaza led by actor Richard Gere and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.Tutu, Gere, to protest; San Francisco alters torch route https://web.archive.org/web/20080411230839/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/usa/news/article_1398973.php/Tutu_Gere_to_protest_San_Francisco_alters_torch_route April 11, 2008 , M&C News, April 8, 2008. Some advocates for Tibet, Darfur, and Falun Gong (recognized as a cult in mainland China) planned to protest the April 9 arrival of the torch in San Francisco.http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/04/02/bay_city_to_protest_olympic_torch/2897/ Bay City to protest Olympic torch dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080407031535/http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/04/02/bay_city_to_protest_olympic_torch/2897/ April 7, 2008 China had already requested the torch route in San Francisco be shortened.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/China-wants-San-Francisco-Olympic-torchs-route-shortened/articleshow/2903371.cms https://web.archive.org/web/20121021144021/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-03-27/us/27776317_1_torch-tibet-human-rights live October 21, 2012 The Times of India China wants San Francisco Olympic torch's route shortened March 27, 2008 On April 7, 2008, two days prior to the actual torch relay, three activists carrying Tibetan flags scaled the suspension cables of the Golden Gate Bridge to unfurl two banners, one saying "One World, One Dream. Free Tibet", and the other, "Free Tibet '08".Torch protesters scale Golden Gate Bridge KGO-TV April 7, 2008 https://abc7news.com/archive/6066082/ April 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20110521100607/http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=6066082 May 21, 2011 live See also: Pro-Tibet protesters climb Golden Gate Bridge tower San Francisco Chronicle April 7, 2008 https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Pro-Tibet-protesters-climb-Golden-Gate-Bridge-3288746.php April 7, 2008 Jonathan Curiel Marisa Lagos https://web.archive.org/web/20080408204150/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F04%2F07%2FMN6L101A0U.DTL&tsp=1 April 8, 2008 live Among them was San Francisco resident Laurel Sutherlin, who spoke to the local TV station KPIX-CBS5 live from a cellphone, urging the International Olympic Committee to ask China not to allow the torch to go through Tibet. "Sutherlin said he was worried that the torch's planned route through Tibet would lead to more arrests and Chinese officials would use force to stifle dissent." Olympic Torch Protesters Scale Golden Gate Bridge CBS5 April 7, 2008 http://cbs5.com/local/golden.gate.bridge.2.693783.html April 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080408215818/http://cbs5.com/local/golden.gate.bridge.2.693783.html April 8, 2008 dead The three activists and five supporters face charges related to trespassing, conspiracy and causing a public nuisance. Climbers scale Golden Gate Bridge to protest Olympic torch run CBC Canada April 7, 2008 https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/climbers-scale-golden-gate-bridge-to-protest-olympic-torch-run-1.713070 April 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080409002040/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/climbers-scale-golden-gate-bridge-to-protest-olympic-torch-run-1.713070 April 9, 2008 live thumb|220px|Torchbearer Trevor Robinson carrying the Olympic Torch near Golden Gate Park with the flame attendants in blue and SFPD in black The torch was lit at a park outside at AT&T Park at about 1:17 pm PDT (20:17 UTC), briefly held aloft by American and Chinese Olympic officials. The relay descended into confusion as the first runner in the elaborately planned relay disappeared into a warehouse on a waterfront pier where it stayed for a half-an-hour.San Francisco Olympic torch relay gets off to chaotic start, MarketWatch, April 9, 2008. There were clashes between thousands of pro-China demonstrators, many of whom said they were bused in by the Chinese Consulate and other pro-China groups, and both pro-Tibet and Darfur protesters. The non-Chinese demonstrators were reported to have been swamped and trailed by angry crowds. Around 2 pm PDT (21:00 UTC), the torch resurfaced about 3 km on away from the stadium along Van Ness Avenue, a heavily trafficked thoroughfare that was not on official route plans. Television reports showed the flame flanked by motorcycles and uniformed police officers. Two torchbearers carried the flame running slowly behind a truck and surrounded by Olympic security guards.Protests and Cheers Along Torch Route, The New York Times, April 9, 2008. During the torch relay, two torchbearers, Andrew Michael who uses a wheelchair and is the Vice President for Sustainable Development for the Bay Area Council and Director of Partnerships For Change, and an environmental advocate, Majora Carter, managed to display Tibetan flags in protest, resulting in their ejection from the relay.http://cbs5.com/local/olympic.torch.crowds.2.695825.html Olympic Torch Departs SF After Wild Ride April 10, 2008 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080410213353/http://cbs5.com/local/olympic.torch.crowds.2.695825.html April 10, 2008 The closing ceremony at Justin Herman Plaza was canceled due to the presence of large numbers of protesters at the site. The torch run ended with a final stretch through San Francisco's Marina district and was then moved by bus to San Francisco International Airport for a makeshift closing ceremony at the terminal, from which the free media was excluded. San Jose Mercury News described the "deceiving" event as "a game of Where's Waldo, played against the landscape of a lovely city." http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8868048 Olympic flame relays have always been political San Jose Mercury News April 9, 2008 April 10, 2008 International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said the San Francisco relay had "fortunately" avoided much of the disruptions that marred the legs in London and Paris, but "was, however, not the joyous party that we had wished it to be."San Francisco torch relay no 'joyous party' but IOC relieved, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. April 10, 2008. thumb|Activists at the human rights torch relay in Buenos Aires carried signs protesting China's treatment of Falun Gong. ARG Argentina: The torch relay leg in Buenos Aires, Argentina, held on April 11, began with an artistic show at the Lola Mora amphitheatre in Costanera Sur. In the end of the show the mayor of Buenos Aires Mauricio Macri gave the torch to the first torchbearer, Carlos Espínola.http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/buenosaires/news/n214302510.shtml Olympic torch relay concludes in Buenos Aires The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Torch Relay April 12, 2008 April 12, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080412190900/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/buenosaires/news/n214302510.shtml April 12, 2008 dead The leg finished at the Buenos Aires Riding Club in the Palermo district, the last torchbearer being Gabriela Sabatini. The 13.8 km route included landmarks like the Obelisk and Plaza de Mayo.http://www.clarin.com/diario/2008/04/11/um/m-01648709.htm La Antorcha Olímpica Recorrió Buenos Aires Clarín April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 es June 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090614103528/http://www.clarin.com/diario/2008/04/11/um/m-01648709.htm dead The day was marked by several pro-Tibet protests, which included a giant banner reading "Free Tibet", and an alternative "human rights torch" that was lit by protesters and paraded along the route the flame was to take. Most of these protests were peaceful in nature, and the torch was not impeded. Chinese immigrants also turned out in support of the Games, but only minor scuffles were reported between both groups.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7343138.stm Argentine torch relay unhindered BBC World News April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 See also: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gEtQD-yS0Xp4_sizYjZ8SE7bG_1gD8VVQMG00 Protests Meet Olympic Torch in Argentina Associated Press April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080415185040/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gEtQD-yS0Xp4_sizYjZ8SE7bG_1gD8VVQMG00 April 15, 2008 dead Runners surrounded by rows of security carried the Olympic flame past thousands of jubilant Argentines in the most trouble-free torch relay in nearly a week. People showered the parade route with confetti as banks, government offices and businesses took an impromptu half-day holiday for the only Latin American stop on the flame's five-continent journey.http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/04/11/argentina.torch.ap/index.html Peaceful Olympic torch run in Argentina CNN April 11, 2008 April 12, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080415064446/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/04/11/argentina.torch.ap/index.html April 15, 2008 dead Argentine activists told a news conference that they would not try to snuff out the torch's flame as demonstrators had in Paris and London. "I want to announce that we will not put out the Olympic torch," said pro-Tibet activist Jorge Carcavallo. "We'll be carrying out surprise actions throughout the city of Buenos Aires, but all of these will be peaceful." Among other activities, protesters organized an alternative march that went from the Obelisk to the city hall, featuring their own "Human Rights Torch."https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/11/olympicgames2008.argentina?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront Buenos Aires gears up for torch protests The Guardian April 11, 2008 London April 22, 2010 Oliver Balch A giant banner reading "Free Tibet" was also displayed on the torch route. According to a representative from the NGO 'Human Rights Torch Relay', their objective was to "show the contradiction between the Olympic Games and the presence of widespread human rights violations in China"http://lta.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idLTAN0743173120080408?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 https://web.archive.org/web/20080416141452/http://lta.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idLTAN0743173120080408?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 dead April 16, 2008 Juegos-Planean protesta paso antorcha olímpica en Buenos Aires April 8, 2008 Reuters es thumb|left|The torch in Buenos Aires The outreach director of HRTR, Susan Prager, is also the communication director of "Friends of Falun Gong", a quasi-government non-profit funded by former Congressman Tom Lanto's wife and Mark Palmer of National Endowment for Democracy.Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax (page 4, list of directors) See also: http://www.fofg.org/ Friends of Falun GongThe part about the Friends of Falun Gong seems to be original research. December 2025 statement y A major setback to the event was caused by footballer Diego Maradona, scheduled to open the relay through Buenos Aires, pulling out in an attempt to avoid the Olympic controversy.http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3731815.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20080724151414/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3731815.ece dead July 24, 2008 Diego Maradona refuses to carry Olympic torch The Times April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 London Jason Mitchell James Bone Trying to avoid the scenes that marred the relay in the UK, France and the US, the city government designed a complex security operative to protect the torch relay, involving 1200 police officers and 3000 other people, including public employees and volunteers.http://www.infobae.com/contenidos/373962-100891-0-Antorcha-ol%C3%ADmpica-llega-la-ciudad-Buenos-Aires Antorcha olímpica llega a la ciudad de Buenos Aires es dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080416055249/http://www.infobae.com/contenidos/373962-100891-0-Antorcha-ol%C3%ADmpica-llega-la-ciudad-Buenos-Aires April 16, 2008 Overall, the protests were peaceful in nature, although there were a few incidents such as the throwing of several water balloons in an attempt to extinguish the Olympic flame, and minor scuffles between Olympic protesters and supporters from Chinese immigrant communities.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7343138.stm Argentine torch relay unhindered BBC World News April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 TAN Tanzania: Dar es Salaam was the torch's only stop in Africa, on April 13. The relay began at the grand terminal of the TAZARA Railway, which was China's largest foreign aid project of the 1970s, and continued for 5 km through the old city to the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Temeke, which was built with Chinese aid in 2005. Monson Jamie 2009 Africa's Freedom Railway: How a Chinese Development Project Changed Lives and Livelihoods in Tanzania https://books.google.com/books?id=xeeDwcT51BcC&q=tazara+railway Indiana University Press 978-0253002815 Monson 154 The torch was lit by Vice-President Ali Mohamed Shein. About a thousand people followed the relay, waving the Olympic flag. The only noted instance of protest was Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai's withdrawal from the list of torchbearers, in protest against human rights abuses in Tibet."Torch in peaceful Tanzania relay", BBC, April 13, 2008 See also: "Olympic torch breezes untroubled through Africa" https://web.archive.org/web/20110520125825/http://www.france24.com/en/20080413-olympic-torch-relay-tanzania%26navi%3DMONDE May 20, 2011 , France 24, April 13, 2008 OMA Oman: Muscat was the torch's only stop in the Middle East, on April 14. The relay covered 20 km. No protests or incidents were reported."Relaxed Omanis welcome Olympic torch" https://web.archive.org/web/20110520160820/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hqW3bU6QsHNgIQn6NtBasojysriA May 20, 2011 , AFP, April 14, 2008 See also: "Olympic flame back to Asia in Muscat relay" https://web.archive.org/web/20080424154119/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/muscat/news/n214307635.shtml April 24, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 14, 2008 One of the torchbearers was Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji.http://www.ameinfo.com/152063.html Samsung celebrates Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Muscat April 2, 2008 ameinfo.com January 18, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081105173545/http://www.ameinfo.com/152063.html November 5, 2008 PAK Pakistan: The Olympic torch reached Islamabad for the first time ever on April 16. President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani spoke at the opening ceremony of the relay. Security was high, for what one newspaper called the "most sensitive leg" of the torch's Olympic journey.Torch's most sensitive leg of Olympic journey April 16, 2008 Herald Sun http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23552197-23109,00.htmlOctober 2026 medicmedic The relay was initially supposed to carry the torch around Islamabad, but the entire relay was cancelled due to security concerns regarding "militant threats or anti-China protests", and replaced by an indoors ceremony with the torch carried around the track of Jinnah Stadium."Olympic torch relay in Pakistan", BBC, April 16, 2008 In fear of violent protests and bomb attacks, the torch relay in Pakistan took place in a stadium behind closed doors. Although the relay was behind closed doors, thousands of policemen and soldiers guarded the flame. As a consequence, no incidents arose.https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080416/ts_afp/chinaunresttibetrightsoly2008pakistan Pakistan torch relay held behind closed doors IND India: Due to concerns about pro-Tibet protests, the relay through New Delhi on April 17 was cut to just 2.3 km (less than 1.5 miles), which was shared amongst 70 runners. It concluded at the India Gate."New Delhi leg of Olympic torch relay concludes" https://web.archive.org/web/20080420191141/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/newdelhi/news/n214311528.shtml April 20, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 17, 2008 The event was peaceful due to the public not being allowed at the relay. India pulls off a peaceful Olympic torch relay, by banning the public https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-pulls-off-a-peaceful-olympic-torch-relay-by-banning-the-public-811249.html April 18, 2008 The Independent London Andrew Buncombe April 22, 2010 A total of five intended torchbearers—Kiran Bedi, Soha Ali Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Gavaskar—withdrew from the event, citing "personal reasons", Delhi leg of Olympic torch relay today http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041756751900.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080420071219/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041756751900.htm dead April 20, 2008 April 16, 2008 The Hindu Chennai, India or, in Bhutia's case, explicitly wishing to "stand by the people of Tibet and their struggle" and protest against the PRC "crackdown" in Tibet."India's soccer captain refuses to join in Beijing Olympic torch run in Indian capital" https://web.archive.org/web/20140328202822/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/india/2008/04/01/149897/India%27s-soccer.htm March 28, 2014 , Sandeep Nakai, The China Post (Taiwan), April 1, 2008 Bhutia, who is Sikkimese and the national football captain, was the first to announce refusal to run with the torch.http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/india/2008/04/01/149897/India%27s-soccer.htm India's soccer captain refuses to join in Beijing Olympic torch run in Indian capital April 2, 2008 March 28, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140328202822/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/india/2008/04/01/149897/India%27s-soccer.htm dead Indian film star Aamir Khan states on his personal blog that the "Olympic Games do not belong to China" and confirms taking part in the torch relay "with a prayer in his heart for the people of Tibet, and ... for all people across the world who are victims of human rights violations".http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog.htm Aamir Khan's blog: Olympic Torch Relay dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080405211406/http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog.htm April 5, 2008 Rahul Gandhi, son of the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family, also refused to carry the torch. Wary of protests, the Indian authorities have decided to shorten the route of the relay in New Delhi,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Wary-of-protests-IOA-shortens-Olympic-torch-route/articleshow/2920822.cms https://web.archive.org/web/20121021144031/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-04-02/india/27745509_1_torch-tibetan-protestors-indian-olympic-association live October 21, 2012 The Times of India Wary of protests, IOA shortens Olympic torch route April 2, 2008 and have given it the security normally associated with Republic Day celebrations, which are considered terrorist targets. Chinese intelligence's expectations of points on the relay route that would be particularly 'vulnerable' to protesters were presented to the Indian ambassador to Beijing, Nirupama Sen. The Indian media responded angrily to the news that the ambassador, a distinguished lady diplomat, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry at 2 am local time; the news was later denied by anonymous sources in Delhi.http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/FullcoverageStoryPage.aspx?id=687bf219-6479-4800-877e-0c2bc3900726TibetUnrest_Special&MatchID1=4680&TeamID1=6 India tells China: Will not ban protests by Tibetans August 2021 medicmedic The Indian media reported that India's Commerce Minister, Kamal Nath, cancelled an official trip to Beijing in protest, though both Nath and Chinese sources have denied it.https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=aCUGsn0B1zbw&refer=india India to Bar Tibet Protests During Olympic Torch Run Bloomberg April 3, 2008 See also: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/LEADER-ARTICLE-Stop-Being-Bullied/articleshow/2924200.cms Leader Article: Stop Being Bullied India Brahma Chellaney The Times of India April 4, 2008 July 1, 2013 October 21, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121021144037/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-04-04/edit-page/27762106_1_beijing-pm-s-arunachal-indian-ambassador live See also: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080327TDY05309.htm India cautious over China relations / Unrest in Tibet puts New Delhi in bind regarding government-in-exile See also: http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=6767 India calls off Nath's visit to China April 12, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080329014036/http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsId=6767 March 29, 2008 dead See also: http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/dispatches/archive/2008/04/07/china-india-relations-not-as-friendly-as-they-seem.aspx China-India relations not as friendly as they seem dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080411004423/http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/dispatches/archive/2008/04/07/china-india-relations-not-as-friendly-as-they-seem.aspx April 11, 2008 India rejected Chinese demands that the torch route be clear of India's 150,000-strong Tibetan exile community, by which they required a ban on congregation near the curtailed 3 km route. In response Indian officials said India was a democracy, and "a wholesale ban on protests was out of the question".http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23524744-2703,00.html Human torch fear in Delhi protests The Australian Bruce Loudon April 12, 2008 April 12, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080413013212/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23524744-2703,00.html April 13, 2008 dead mdy-all Contradicting some other reports, Indian officials also refused permission to the "Olympic Holy Flame Protection Unit". The combined effect is a "rapid deterioration" of relations between India and China. Meanwhile, the Tibetan government in exile, which is based in India, has stated that it did not support the disruption of the Olympic torch relay. Tibetan government in exile condemns torch protests http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/04/10/asia/OUKWD-UK-CHINA-TIBET-EXILES.php April 11, 2008 International Herald Tribune August 2021 InternetArchiveBot yes The noted Indian social activist and a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Kiran Bedi refused to participate saying "she doesn't want to run in the event as ‘caged woman’."http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=435556&sid=SPO&ssid=93 Kiran Bedi refuses to run with torch; Kalmadi baffled On April 15, Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan pulled out of the Olympic torch relay, citing “very strong personal reasons”. Soha drops Olympic torch http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080416/jsp/nation/story_9142833.jsp https://archive.today/20120912170419/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080416/jsp/nation/story_9142833.jsp dead September 12, 2012 April 16, 2008 The Telegraph On April 16, a protest was organised in Delhi "against Chinese repression in Tibet", and was broken up by the police."Day in pictures", BBC, April 16, 2008 THA Thailand: The April 18 relay through Bangkok was the Olympic flame's first visit to Thailand. The relay covered just over 10 km, and included Bangkok's Chinatown."Olympic flame arrives in Thailand" https://web.archive.org/web/20110520125919/http://www.france24.com/en/20080418-olympic-flame-arrives-thailand-2008-beijing%26navi%3DMONDE May 20, 2011 , France 24, April 18, 2008 See also: "Beijing Olympic Flame arrives in Bangkok" https://web.archive.org/web/20080906231353/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/bangkok/news/n214312005.shtml September 6, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 18, 2008 The torch was carried past Democracy Monument, Chitralada Palace and a number of other city landmarks."Olympic flame sheds glee in 'City of Smile'" https://web.archive.org/web/20080428142919/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/bangkok/news/n214314979.shtml April 28, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 19, 2008 M.R. Narisa Chakrabongse, Green World Foundation (GWF) chairwoman, withdrew from the torch-running ceremony, protesting against China's actions in Tibet."Narisa, activists boycott Beijing Olympics", Bangkok Post, March 22, 2008"Torch-bearer boycotts Bangkok Olympic relay" https://web.archive.org/web/20110520130016/http://www.france24.com/en/20080419-torch-bearer-boycotts-bangkok-olympic-relay-thailand%26navi%3DMONDE May 20, 2011 , France 24, April 19, 2008 Several hundred protesters were present, along with Olympic supporters."Security surrounds Bangkok relay", BBC, April 19, 2008 Thai authorities threatened to arrest foreign protesters and ban them from future entry into Thailand. Police threaten to arrest Olympic protesters http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30070948 April 17, 2008 The Nation dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080620074542/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30070948 June 20, 2008 mdy-all A coalition of Thai human rights groups announced that it would organise a "small demonstration" during the relay,"Olympic flame arrives in Thailand" https://web.archive.org/web/20110520125919/http://www.france24.com/en/20080418-olympic-flame-arrives-thailand-2008-beijing%26navi%3DMONDE May 20, 2011 , France 24, April 18, 2008 and several hundred people did indeed take part in protests, facing Beijing supporters. In Bangkok, students told the media that the Chinese Embassy provided them with transportation and gave them shirts to wear.North Korea hosts Olympic torch, CNN. April 27, 2008. MAS Malaysia: The event was held in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, on April 21. The 16.5 km long-relay began from the historic Independence Square, passed in front of several city landmarks before coming to an end at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.Special police squad to help protect Olympic flame during KL relay http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/19/nation/20080419072748&sec=nation April 19, 2008 The Star dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080422053329/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F4%2F19%2Fnation%2F20080419072748&sec=nation April 22, 2008 Among the landmarks the Olympic flame passed next to were the Parliament House, National Mosque, KL Tower and Merdeka Stadium. A team of 1000 personnel from the Malaysian police Special Action Squad guarded the event and escorted the torchbearers. The last time an Olympic torch relay was held in Malaysia was the 1964 Tokyo edition. thumb|A group of youths surrounded a suspected Tibet supporter demonstrating during the torch relay in Kuala Lumpur.http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/22/nation/21023094&sec=nation https://web.archive.org/web/20080422075424/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F4%2F22%2Fnation%2F21023094&sec=nation dead April 22, 2008 Minor hiccups and a handful of arrests during run The Star April 22, 2008 April 22, 2008 Just days before the relay supporters of Falun Gong demonstrated in front of the Chinese embassy in the Malaysian capital.Falun Gong in Malaysian torch protest http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23560503-5005961,00.html April 18, 2008 Herald Sun Australia dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080424021246/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C23560503-5005961%2C00.html April 24, 2008 As many as 1,000 personnel from the special police unit were expected to be deployed on the day of the relay.http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/19/nation/21005341&sec=nation Special police squad to escort torch runners April 18, 2008 Herald Sun Australia dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121006102211/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F4%2F19%2Fnation%2F21005341&sec=nation October 6, 2012 A Japanese family with Malaysian citizenship and their 5-year-old child who unfurled a Tibetan flag were hit by a group of Chinese nationals with plastic air-filled batons and heckled by a crowd of Chinese citizens during the confrontation at Independence Square where the relay began,https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7357819.stm Torch relay peaceful in Malaysia BBC April 21, 2008 April 21, 2008 See also: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gEtQD-yS0Xp4_sizYjZ8SE7bG_1gD9069ML80 Chinese heckle Olympic torch run protesters in Malaysia Associated Press April 21, 2008 April 21, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080424160708/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gEtQD-yS0Xp4_sizYjZ8SE7bG_1gD9069ML80 April 24, 2008 dead See also: https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=anzIehMxWCeY Malaysia Detains Five, Avoids Olympic Torch Disorder (Update4) April 21, 2008 Bloomberg and the Chinese group shouted: "Taiwan and Tibet belong to China."http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jCeD0OER-VnLEL5ZbvXgO9qb6IcA Olympic torch starts Malaysia leg amid high security as Japan route altered Associated Press April 21, 2008 April 21, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110426200722/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jCeD0OER-VnLEL5ZbvXgO9qb6IcA April 26, 2011 Later during the day, the Chinese volunteers forcefully took away placards from two other Malaysians protesting at the relay. One of the protesting Malaysian was hit in the head. IDN Indonesia: The Olympic flame reached Jakarta on April 22. The original 20 km relay through Jakarta was cancelled due to "security worries", at the request of the Chinese embassy,"Jakarta Olympic relay cut short" https://web.archive.org/web/20080425105201/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/5C703F99-4A93-40C2-AA9A-7EE196AF7217.htm April 25, 2008 , Al Jazeera, April 22, 2008 and the torch was instead carried round the city main's stadium, as it had been in Islamabad."Torch weathers Indonesia protest", BBC, April 22, 2008 Several dozen pro-Tibet protesters gathered near the stadium, and were dispersed by the police."Indonesian police break up pro-Tibet rally" https://web.archive.org/web/20110520130333/http://www.france24.com/en/20080422-olympic-torch-relay-indonesia-shortened-jakarta-2008-beijing-games%26navi%3DMONDE May 20, 2011 , France 24, April 22, 2008 See also: "Torch weathers Indonesia protest", BBC, April 22, 2008 The event was held in the streets around the city main's stadium. The cancelling of the relay through the city itself was decided due to security concerns and at the request of the Chinese embassy."Jakarta Olympic relay cut short" https://web.archive.org/web/20080425105201/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/5C703F99-4A93-40C2-AA9A-7EE196AF7217.htm April 25, 2008 , Al Jazeera, April 22, 2008 See also: "Torch weathers Indonesia protest", BBC, April 22, 2008 Only invitees and journalists were admitted inside the stadium. Protests took place outside the stadium.http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/21/malaysia.torch/index.html Chinese students cheer Malaysian torch relay CNN dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080422182423/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/21/malaysia.torch/index.html April 22, 2008 See also: "Indonesian police break up pro-Tibet rally" https://web.archive.org/web/20110520130333/http://www.france24.com/en/20080422-olympic-torch-relay-indonesia-shortened-jakarta-2008-beijing-games%26navi%3DMONDE May 20, 2011 , France 24, April 22, 2008 See also: "Torch weathers Indonesia protest", BBC, April 22, 2008 thumb|right|Lifetime Olympic official, 92-year-old Julius (Judy) Patching, hands over to Jake Warcaba at the Stone of Remembrance, Canberra. Two Chinese flame attendants stand either side, assisting the two runners. A policeman stands to the left. thumb|right|Spectators holding Chinese flags during the Canberra leg of the relay. AUS Australia: The event was held in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory on April 24, and covered around 16 km of Canberra's central areas,"Australian official: No cut in torch relay course in Canberra" https://web.archive.org/web/20080414195157/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/canberra/news/n214301976.shtml April 14, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 11, 2008 from Reconciliation Place to Commonwealth Park."Olympic torch relay starts in Canberra" https://web.archive.org/web/20080430225116/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/canberra/news/n214321235.shtml April 30, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 24, 2008 Upon its arrival in Canberra, the Olympic flame was presented by Chinese officials to local Aboriginal elder Agnes Shea, of the Ngunnawal people."Olympic torch lands in Australia", Brendan Nicholson, The Age, April 23, 2008 She, in turn, offered them a message stick, as a gift of peace and welcome.https://archive.today/20120712233044/http://news.smh.com.au/olympic-flame-in-canberra-for-relay/20080423-27y0.html "Olympic flame in Canberra for relay", Sydney Morning Herald, April 23, 2008 See also: "Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Canberra" https://web.archive.org/web/20080427015102/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/canberra/news/n214319866.shtml April 27, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 23, 2008 Hundreds of pro-Tibet protesters and thousands of Chinese students reportedly attended.Rival demonstrators face off in Canberra, ABC News Online, April 24, 2008 Demonstrators and counter-demonstrators were kept apart by the Australian Federal Police. Preparations for the event were marred by a disagreement over the role of the Chinese flame attendants, with Australian and Chinese officials arguing publicly over their function and prerogatives during a press conference."China's determination to 'defend' relay sparks fury" https://web.archive.org/web/20080427053817/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C23590170-5016724%2C00.html April 27, 2008 , Ben English, Herald Sun, April 24, 2008 Following the events in Olympia, there were reports that China requested permission to deploy People's Liberation Army personnel along the relay route to protect the flame in Canberra. Australian authorities stated that such a request, if it were to be made, would be refused.http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2200041.htm Chinese army will not be monitoring Aust Olympic torch leg: officials ABC News March 26, 2008 Chinese officials labeled it a rumor.zh 外交部发言人秦刚否认有关中方提出派军队赴澳大利亚保护奥运火炬传递的谣言 https://web.archive.org/web/20080330220834/http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/chn/xwfw/fyrth/t419256.htm March 30, 2008 , PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs. March 29, 2008. Australian police have been given powers to search relay spectators, following a call by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association for Chinese Australian students to "go defend our sacred torch" against "ethnic degenerate scum and anti-China separatists"."Chinese rally in Australia to guard Olympic flame" https://web.archive.org/web/20080420094318/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7465594,00.html April 20, 2008 , Rob Taylor, The Guardian, April 16, 2008 Tony Goh, chairman of the Australian Council of Chinese Organisations, has said the ACCO would be taking "thousands" of pro-Beijing demonstrators to Canberra by bus, to support the torch relay."Olympic torch sizzles in Australia", Sid Astbury, The Independent (South Africa), April 17, 2008 Zhang Rongan, a Chinese Australian student organising pro-Beijing demonstrations, told the press that Chinese diplomats were assisting with the organization of buses, meals and accommodation for pro-Beijing demonstrators, and helping them organise a "peaceful show of strength"."Chinese in Australia vow to defend Olympic torch from pro-Tibet 'scum'", Nick Squires, The Daily Telegraph, April 16, 2008 Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Chinese officials were urging supporters to "turn up and put a point of view", but that he had no objection to it as long as they remained peaceful."China urging supporters to attend torch rally: Australian FM" https://web.archive.org/web/20080502133533/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/FullcoverageStoryPage.aspx?id=b8955ea1-9629-47b1-92c6-e8f357dedfe8TibetUnrest_Special&&Headline=Attend+torch+rally%2C+China+urges+supporters May 2, 2008 , Madeleine Coorey, AFP, April 22, 2008 thumb|left|Chinese spectators holding signs in Canberra. Intended torchbearer Lin Hatfield Dodds withdrew from the event, explaining that she wished to express concern about China's human rights record."Australian torch bearer pulls out of Olympic relay citing human rights concerns" https://web.archive.org/web/20121006102237/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F4%2F22%2Fapworld%2F20080422101055&sec=apworld October 6, 2012 , The Star, April 22, 2008 See also: "Australian torch runner pulls out of Olympic relay" https://web.archive.org/web/20080427203313/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j5NJYSyvfSKbGzkqDRWSTZ1wNGjg April 27, 2008 , AFP, April 22, 2008 Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said her decision was "a very good example of peacefully making a point". Up to 600 pro-Tibet protesters were expected to attend the relay, along with between 2,000 and 10,000 Chinese supporters. Taking note of the high number of Chinese supporters, Ted Quinlan, head of the Canberra torch relay committee, said: "We didn't expect this reaction from the Chinese community. It is obviously a well-coordinated plan to take the day by weight of numbers. But we have assurances that it will be done peacefully.".https://archive.today/20120720091738/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/24/2225921.htm?section=sport "Rival demonstrators face off in Canberra", ABC News, April 24, 2008 Also, Australia's ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope confirmed that the Chinese embassy was closely involved to ensure that "pro-China demonstrators vastly outnumbered Tibetan activists."English Ben Chinese rent-a-crowd inflamed Olympic torch tensions April 25, 2008 The Daily Telegraph http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23595025-5006009.00.htmlOctober 2026 medicmedic Australian freestyle swimmer and five-time Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe ended the Australian leg of the torch relay April 24, 2008, touching the flame to light a cauldron after a run that was only marginally marked by protests. People demonstrated both for China and for Tibet. At least five people were arrested during the torch relay. Police said "the five were arrested for interfering with the event under special powers enacted in the wake of massive protests against Chinese policy toward Tibet.""Australian torch relay ends with minor skirmishes", CNN, April 24, 2008 At one point, groups of Chinese students surrounded and intimidated pro-Tibet protesters. One person had to be pulled aboard a police launch when a group of pro-Chinese students looked like they might force him into the lake.Olympic relay ends in Australia with little interruption, International Herald Tribune. April 24, 2008. JPN Japan: The event was held in Nagano, which hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, on April 26. Japanese Buddhist temple Zenkō-ji, which was originally scheduled to be the starting point for the Olympic torch relay in Nagano, refused to host the torch and pulled out of the relay plans, amid speculation that monks there sympathized with anti-Chinese government protesters.http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/18/asia/AS-GEN-Japan-Olympic-Torch.php Report: Japanese temple refuses to host Olympic torch relay International Herald Tribune April 18, 2008 April 18, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080504080651/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/18/asia/AS-GEN-Japan-Olympic-Torch.php May 4, 2008 live as well as the risk of disruption by violent protests.http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/18/2221113.htm?section=justin https://web.archive.org/web/20080420120229/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/18/2221113.htm?section=justin dead April 20, 2008 Japanese temple refuses to host torch ceremony ABC News April 18, 2008 Parts of Zenkō-ji temple's main building (Zenkō-ji Hondō), reconstructed in 1707 and one of the National Treasures of Japan, was then vandalized with spraypaint. A new starting point, previously the site of a municipal building and now a parking lot, was chosen by the city.http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/20/asia/AS-GEN-Japan-Temple.php Japanese temple sprayed with graffiti after withdrawing from Olympic torch relay International Herald Tribune April 20, 2008 April 20, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080430071711/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/20/asia/AS-GEN-Japan-Temple.php April 30, 2008 live See also: http://www.zenkoji.jp/hondou/ ja:【信州善光寺】本堂のご案内 Zenkoji Temple April 21, 2008 ja Thousands of riot police were mobilized to protect the torch along its route. The show of force kept most protesters in check, but slogans shouted by pro-China or pro-Tibet demonstrators, Japanese nationalists, and human rights organizations flooded the air. Five men were arrested and four injured amidst scenes of mob violence.Japan mobs Olympic torch of troubleSeptember 2024 medicmedic, The Times. April 27, 2008. The torch route was packed with mostly peaceful demonstrators. The public was not allowed at the parking lot where the relay started. After the Zenkoji monks held a prayer ceremony for victims of the recent events in Tibet.incomplete sentence December 2025 More than 100 police officers ran with the torch and riot police lined the streets while three helicopters flew above. Only two Chinese guards were allowed to accompany the torch because of Japan's concern over their treatment of demonstrators at previous relays. A man with a Tibetan flag tried to stop the torch at the beginning of the relay but was dragged off by police. Some raw eggs were also thrown from the crowd.Olympic Torch Hits Nagano Without Hitch, Time. April 26, 2008. right|thumb|A young man at the relay in Seoul wearing a Daegu University shirt with the phrase "Tibet belongs to China" written on it. KOR South Korea: The event was held in Seoul, which hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics, on April 27. Intended torchbearers Choi Seung-kook and Park Won-sun boycotted the event to protest against the Chinese government's crackdown in Tibet."2 South Koreans boycott Olympic torch relay to protest Tibet crackdown", International Herald Tribune, April 22, 2008 More than 8,000 riot police were deployed to guard the 24-kilometre route, which began at Olympic Park, which was built when Seoul hosted the 1988 Summer Games. On the day of the torch relay in Seoul, Chinese students clashed with protesters, throwing rocks, bottles, and punches. A North Korean defector whose brother defected to China but was captured and executed by the DPRK attempted to set himself on fire in protest of China's treatment of North Korean refugees. He poured gasoline on himself but police quickly surrounded him and carried him away. Two other demonstrators tried to storm the torch but failed. Fighting broke out near the beginning of the relay between a group of 500 Chinese supporters and approximately 50 protesters who carried a banner that read: "Free North Korean refugees in China." The students threw stones and water bottles as approximately 2,500 police tried to keep the groups separated. Police said they arrested five people, including a Chinese student who was arrested for allegedly throwing rocks. Thousands of Chinese followed the torch on its 4.5 hour journey, some chanting, "Go China, go Olympics!"Clashes break out at Olympic torch relay in South KoreaJune 2021 medicmedic, Los Angeles Times By the end of the relay, Chinese students became violent, and it was reported in Korean media that they were "lynching" everyone who was disagreeing with them. One police man was also rushed to hospital after being attacked by Chinese students.중국인 폭력 시위 아닌 폭동July 2024 InternetArchiveBot yes , 투데이코리아한국인 중국서 공안 때렸으면 죽었을 것 https://web.archive.org/web/20080503231249/http://news.empas.com/show.tsp/20080429n01745 May 3, 2008 , Chosun Ilbo On Apr 29, the Secretary of Justice, Kim Kyung Han, told the prime minister that he will find "every single Chinese who was involved and bring them to justice."정부, 중국인 폭력시위 법에 따라 엄정대처, Yonhap News Later in the day, South Korea's Prosecutor's Office, National Police Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Intelligence Service made a joint statement saying that they will be deporting every Chinese student that was involved in the incident.성화봉송 폭력 중국인 강제 출국 조치, Yonhap News China defended the conduct of the students.http://app.mfa.gov.sg/pr/read_content.asp?View,9956 Archived copy app.mfa.gov.sg 6 June 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20120316152432/http://app.mfa.gov.sg/pr/read_content.asp?View,9956 16 March 2012 dead PRK North Korea: The event was held in Pyongyang on April 28. It was the first time that the Olympic torch has traveled to North Korea. A crowd of thousands waving pink paper flowers and small flags with the Beijing Olympics logo were organized by the authoritarian regimeNorth Korea hosts its first Olympic torch relay, International Herald Tribune. April 28, 2008. watched the beginning of the relay in Pyongyang, some waving Chinese flags. The event was presided over by the head of the country's parliament, Kim Yong Nam. The North, an ally of China, has been critical of disruptions to the torch relay elsewhere and has supported Beijing in its actions against protests in Tibet. Kim passed the torch to the first runner Pak Du Ik, who played on North Korea's 1966 World Cup soccer team, as he began the 19-kilometre route through Pyongyang. The relay began from the large sculpted flame of the obelisk of the Juche Tower. Leader Kim Jong Il did not attend.March 2026 The United Nations Organization and its children's agency UNICEF withdrew their staff, saying that it was not sure the event would help its mission of raising awareness of conditions for childrenUN pulls out of North Korea Olympic torch ceremony amid fears of propaganda coup The Times. April 6, 2008. and amid concerns that the relay would be used as a propaganda stunt. "It was unconscionable," said a UN official who was briefed on the arguments. North Korea is frequently listed among the world's worst offenders against human rights.March 2026 VIE Vietnam: The event was held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 29. Some 60 torchbearers carried the torch from the downtown Opera House to the Military Zone 7 Competition Hall stadium near Tan Son Nhat International Airport along an undisclosed route. Vietnam is involved in a territorial dispute with China (and other countries) for sovereignty of the Spratly and Paracel Islands; tensions have risen recentlyMarch 2011 following reports that the Chinese government had established a county-level city named Sansha in the disputed territories,The Associated Press http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/09/news/Vietnam-China-Protest.php Vietnamese hold rare demonstration to protest China's attempt to control disputed islands International Herald Tribute December 9, 2007 December 9, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080120004608/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/09/news/Vietnam-China-Protest.php January 20, 2008 live See also: https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071209/wl_asia_afp/vietnamprotestchinaspratlysparacels Vietnamese rally outside China embassy over disputed islands December 9, 2007 Frank Zeller AFP October 2010 H3llBot resulting in anti-Chinese demonstrations in December 2007 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However to sustain its relationship with China the Vietnamese government has actively sought to head off protests during the torch relay, with Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng warning government agencies that "hostile forces" may try to disrupt the torch relay.https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSHAN16857320080421 Vietnam PM warns of Olympics torch relay disruptions Grant McCool April 20, 2008 Reuters April 23, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080425062839/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSHAN16857320080421 April 25, 2008 live Prior to the rally, seven anti-China protesters were arrested in Hanoi after unfurling a banner and shouting "Boycott the Beijing Olympics" through a loudhailer at a market.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/29/olympicgames2008.china Protesters held ahead of torch relay in Vietnam The Guardian London Allegra Stratton April 29, 2008 April 22, 2010 A Vietnamese American was deported for planning protests against the torch,https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7368307.stm BBC News Japan leg of torch relay begins April 26, 2008 April 26, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080502112809/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7368307.stm May 2, 2008 live while a prominent blogger, Điếu Cày (real name Nguyễn Văn Hải), who blogged about protests around the world and who called for demonstrations in Vietnam, was arrested on charges of tax evasion.http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=127269 Vietnam arrests blogger for reporting torch protests Bangkok Post April 23, 2008 Outside Vietnam, there were protests by overseas Vietnamese in Paris, San Francisco and Canberra. Lê Minh Phiếu, a torchbearer who is a Vietnamese law student studying in France, wrote a letter to the president of the International Olympic Committee protesting China's "politicisation of the Olympics", citing maps of the torch relay at the official Beijing Olympic website depicting the disputed islands as Chinese territory and posted it on his blog.vi https://www.bbc.com/vietnamese/vietnam/story/2008/04/080409_le_minh_phieu Phản đối chính trị hóa Olympics BBC Vietnamese April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080411205917/http://www.bbc.co.uk/vietnamese/vietnam/story/2008/04/080409_le_minh_phieu.shtml April 11, 2008 live One day before the relay was to start, the official website appeared to have been updated to remove the disputed islands and dotted lines marking China's maritime claims in the South China Sea.vi https://www.bbc.com/vietnamese/vietnam/story/2008/04/080430_olympics_leminhphieu Đuốc Olympic đến Việt Nam BBC Vietnamese April 29, 2008 April 29, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080501124808/http://www.bbc.co.uk/vietnamese/vietnam/story/2008/04/080430_olympics_leminhphieu.shtml May 1, 2008 live thumb|Relay runner Rosanna Sze Hang Yue carrying Olympic torch on a dragon boat for the first time thumb|A relay runner and artist, Leo Ku on Nathan Road Hong Kong: The event was held in Hong Kong on May 2. In the ceremony held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, Chief Executive Donald Tsang handed the torch to the first torchbearer, Olympic medalist Lee Lai Shan.http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080502a103536.asp zh:曾蔭權交棒李麗珊 May 2, 2008 Singtao May 2, 2008 zh May 2016 medicmedic The torch relay then traveled through Nathan Road, Lantau Link, Sha Tin (crossed Shing Mun River via a dragon boat, which had been never used before in the history of Olympic torch relays),http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080502a131407.asp zh:施幸余乘龍舟傳送火炬 May 2, 2008 Singtao May 2, 2008 zh May 2016 medicmedichttps://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120970093909662177?mod=googlenews_wsj Crowds Cheer Olympic Torch in Hong Kong May 2, 2008 The Wall Street Journal May 2, 2008 Jonathan Cheng Victoria Harbour (crossed by Tin Hau, a VIP vessel managed by the Marine Department) before ending in Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.200,000 expected to fan the Olympic flame https://web.archive.org/web/20080506053323/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=65309&sid=18752364&con_type=3 May 6, 2008 "The Standard" Retrieved on May 2, 2008. A total of 120 torchbearers were selected to participate in the eventBeijing 2008 Olympics torch relay – Activities, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Gov.hk. Retrieved April 27, 2008. consisting of celebrities, athletes and pro-Beijing camp politicians. No politicians from the pro-democracy camp were selected as torchbearers.SCMP. "Torch lineup net could have been cast wider". SCMP. Retrieved on May 2, 2008. One torchbearer could not participate due to flight delay.http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080502a104245.asp zh:施懿庭因航班延誤未能任火炬手 May 2, 2008 Singtao May 2, 2008 zh May 2016 medicmedic It was estimated that more than 200,000 spectators came out and watched the relay. Many enthusiastic supporters wore red shirts and waved large Chinese flags.Bloomberg.com. "Hong Kong Hosts Torch Relay Amid Support, Criticism." Retrieved on May 2, 2008. According to Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang, 3,000 police were deployed to ensure order.IOC chief: Olympics in 'crisis' over torch chaos https://web.archive.org/web/20080511181211/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24043923/ May 11, 2008 , NBC There were several protests along the torch relay route. Members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, including pro-democracy activist Szeto Wah, waved novelty inflatable plastic Olympic flames, which they said symbolised democracy.SCMP. "SCMP." Tensions evident during HK torch relay. Retrieved on May 2, 2008. They wanted accountability for the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre and the implementation of democracy in Hong Kong.Keep Olympic torch run free of protest, pleads sports boss https://web.archive.org/web/20110522080341/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=11&art_id=63975&sid=18381161&con_type=1&d_str=20080407&fc=1 May 22, 2011 , The Standard. Retrieved April 11, 2007. Political activist and Legislative Council member Leung Kwok-hung (Longhair) also joined the protest, saying "I'm very proud that in Hong Kong we still have people brave enough to speak out." Pro-democracy activists were overwhelmed by a crowd of torch supporters with insults like "running dog," "traitor," "get out!," and "I love the Communist Party."NBC News. "NBC News." Major China support in Hong Kong torch run. Retrieved on May 2, 2008.http://www.mingpaonews.com/20080503/gaa1.htm zh:十萬紅衣夾道 百棒聖火樂傳 紅軍圍橙軍起推撞 May 3, 2008 Ming Pao May 3, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080503133047/http://www.mingpaonews.com/20080503/gaa1.htm May 3, 2008 live zh At the same time, about 10 members of the Civil Human Rights Front had orange banners calling for human rights improvements and universal suffrage. Onlookers were saying "Aren't you Chinese?" in Mandarin putonghua as they tried to cover the orange banners with a large Chinese national flag. One woman had an orange sign that said, "Olympic flame for democracy", while a man carried a poster with a tank and the slogan "One world, two dreams". A university student and former RDHK radio host Christina Chan wrapped the Tibetan snow lion flag around her body and later began waving it. Several onlookers heckled Chan, shouting "What kind of Chinese are you?" and "What a shame!"SCMP. "SCMP." HK Olympic torch relay proceeding smoothly. Retrieved on May 2, 2008. In the end, she and some of the protesters were taken away against their will by the authorities via a police vehicle "for their own protection."AP. Torch relay inspires show of patriotism in Hong Kong https://web.archive.org/web/20080505143255/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gEtQD-yS0Xp4_sizYjZ8SE7bG_1gD90DK4PO0 May 5, 2008 "Protesting the Torch in Hong Kong", International Herald Tribune (video report), May 5, 2008 Chan is currentlyMarch 2011 suing the Hong Kong government, claiming her human rights were breached. (case number HCAL139/08) The Color Orange democracy group, led by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiøt, originally planned to join the Hong Kong Alliance relay and paint the "Pillar of Shame", a structure he built in Hong Kong to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. However, Galschiøt and two other people were denied entry to Hong Kong on April 26, 2008, due to "immigration reasons" and were forced to leave Hong Kong.Color orange. "Color orange https://web.archive.org/web/20240327120433/http://www.thecolororange.net/uk/page147 March 27, 2024 ." We have just received this message from the Orange group in the airport of HK. Retrieved on May 2, 2008. In response, Lee Cheuk Yan, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, said, "It's outrageous that the government is willing to sacrifice the image of Hong Kong because of the torch relay." Hollywood actress Mia Farrow was also briefly questioned at the Hong Kong airport though officials allowed her to enter. She later gave a speech criticizing China's relations with Sudan in Hong Kong, as there was also a small minority of people protesting about China's role in the crisis of Darfur.IHT. "International Herald Tribune." Mia Farrow enters Hong Kong to give speech critical of China-Sudan ties. Retrieved on May 2, 2008. Legislator Cheung Man Kwong have also said the government's decision allowing Farrow to enter while denying others is a double standard and a violation to Hong Kong's one country, two systems policy.SCMP. "SCMP." Article. Retrieved on May 7, 2008. thumb|right|Fuwa designs along the relay way MAC Macao: The event was held in Macau on May 3. It was the first time that the Olympic torch had traveled to Macau. A ceremony was held at Macau Fisherman's Wharf. Afterward, the torch traveled through Macau, passing by a number of landmarks including A-Ma Temple, Macau Tower, Ponte Governador Nobre de Carvalho, Ponte de Sai Van, Macau Cultural Centre, Macau Stadium and then back to the Fisherman's Wharf for the closing ceremony. Parts of the route near Ruins of St. Paul's and Taipa was shortened due to large crowds of supporters blocking narrow streets.http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2008-05/04/content_168679.htm zh: 當局解釋改傳遞路線原因 May 4, 2008 Macao Daily News May 4, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080506080641/http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2008-05/04/content_168679.htm May 6, 2008 zh dead A total of 120 torchbearers participated in this event including casino tycoon Stanley Ho.http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2008-05/03/content_168311.htm zh: 今傳聖火全城沸騰 May 2, 2008 Macao Daily News May 2, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080505132353/http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2008-05/03/content_168311.htm May 5, 2008 zh dead Leong Hong Man and Leong Heng Teng were the first and last torchbearer in the relay respectively.http://www.macauolympic.org/moc/index.php?act=news_show&news_id=68 Macao Torchbearer Reception Held Yesterday June 2017 InternetArchiveBot yes An article published on Macao Daily News criticized that the list of the torchbearers could not fully represent the Macanese and that there were too many non-athletes among the torchbearers. (some of whom had already been torchbearers of other sporting events)http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2008-04/15/content_159155.htm zh: 為甚麼又是他們？ April 15, 2008 Macao Daily News May 4, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080426215951/http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2008-04/15/content_159155.htm April 26, 2008 zh dead A union planned to protest at the relay for better living conditions.http://www1.appledaily.atnext.com/template/apple/art_main.cfm?iss_id20080416&sec_id=4104&subsec_id=11867&art_id=10994273 zh:聖火傳送週五實地綵排 Apple Daily April 16, 2008 zh June 2017 InternetArchiveBot yes Hong Kong legislator Michael Mak Kwok-fung and activist Chan Cheong, both members of the League of Social Democrats, were not allowed to enter Macau.https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080429/wl_asia_afp/chinaunresttibetrightsoly2008torchhongkongmacau Macau bars Hong Kong democrats ahead of Olympic torch: report A Macau resident was arrested on April 26 for posting a message on cyberctm.com encouraging people to disrupt the relay. Both orchidbbs.com and cyberctm.com Internet forums were shut down from May 2 to 4. This fueled speculation that the shutdowns were targeting speeches against the relay. The head of the Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation has denied that the shutdowns of the websites were politically motivated.SCMP. SCMP. "Censors stalking Macau's Net users". Retrieved on July 4, 2008. About 2,200 police were deployed on the streets, and there were no interruptions.Yahoo news. "Yahoo news." "Olympic torch enjoys smooth run in casino haven Macau". Retrieved on May 2, 2008. Domestic (Mainland China) leg CHN Mainland China: The torch returned to China for the first time since April. The torch arrived in Sanya, Hainan on May 4 with celebrations attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials and Chinese big names like Jackie Chan. The entire relay through Mainland China was largely a success with many people welcoming the arrival of the torch along the way. Some notable events were: During the Fujian run, the relay carried a cross-strait theme since the province is geographically across from Taiwan. The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games invited people from Taiwan to witness the torch relay, but the organisers offered no further details.SCMP. "SCMP." Cross-strait theme for Quanzhou relay. Retrieved May 12, 2008. On May 8, a simultaneous run of the torch was done as part of the summit on Mount Everest. A 28-year-old man in Jiangsu known as "Tang" was arrested for spreading rumors online he would go to Nanjing (the May 27 leg) to grab the torch.SCMP. "SCMP." Man arrested for chat-room threat to grab torch. Retrieved May 15, 2008. The last leg of the Fujian run was gloomily shadowed by the May 12, Sichuan earthquake.SCMP. "SCMP." United we stand. Retrieved May 13, 2008. As a result, the relay began on May 14 with a moment of silence as the torch made its way through the province of Jiangxi. From May 19 through 21, the relay was suspended as the State Council designated these three days as national days of mourning for the victims in the earthquake.http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/18/content_8200611.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080528102000/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/18/content_8200611.htm dead May 28, 2008 China announces three-day mourning for quake victims, suspension of torch relay The relay through the province of Sichuan was postponed. On May 23, the relay began in Shanghai. Tens of thousands gathered at the famous People's Square and the Bund along the Huangpu River to welcome the torch. It passed through Pudong, the crown-jewel of Shanghai's districts and PRC's financial capital. The two-day Shanghai leg concluded in Anting, an automobile hub in Shanghai's suburbs, and home to the city's Formula One Shanghai International Circuit.http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/24/stories/2008052460331600.htm Full turnout in Shanghai for relay May 24, 2008 May 28, 2008 Chennai, India https://web.archive.org/web/20080526150817/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/24/stories/2008052460331600.htm May 26, 2008 The Hindu dead There was no interruptions. On June 21, the relay began in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The originally three-day run was cut short to only one day, likely due to the controversy surrounding the relay because of China's harsh response to the Lhasa riot and the other protests that swept the Tibetan plateau between March and May, and also the delay to the relay due to the devastating Sichuan earthquake. Xinhua, China's official news agency, claimed that organizations such as the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) and the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) threatened to "sabotage" the relay, but there is no evidence to support this and it contradicts statements from the organizations themselves.http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/lhasa/news/n214413249.shtml Tibet confident on security during Olympic torch relay Xinhua June 21, 2008 August 10, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080907001124/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/lhasa/news/n214413249.shtml September 7, 2008 dead Meanwhile, the other Olympic flame rejoined the Olympic flame used in the main torch relay route in Tibet after ascending Mount Everest.http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/lhasa/news/n214413581.shtml Olympic flames reunite as Lhasa leg concludes Xinhua June 21, 2008 August 10, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080907001114/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/lhasa/news/n214413581.shtml September 7, 2008 dead Zhang Qingli, the Communist Party Secretary in Tibet, drew criticism from the IOC who wrote to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG), saying that they "regret the political statements" made by Zhang during the relay, after he claimed that they could "totally smash the splittist schemes of the Dalai clique"."Beijing Olympics 2008: Tibet policy angers IOC chiefs", The Daily Telegraph, June 25, 2008. On July 7, the torch was lit in Jiayuguan (the Western end of the Great Wall of China).http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/jiayuguan/news/n214436996.shtml Olympic Torch lights up Great Wall Xinhua July 7, 2008 August 10, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080807010627/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/jiayuguan/news/n214436996.shtml August 7, 2008 dead On August 3, the torch relay started in Sichuan after a devastated earthquake that killed almost 70,000 people in May. Sichuan was the last stop before returning to Beijing for the opening ceremony.http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/guangan/news/n214500920.shtml Olympic torch brings inspiration, hope to quake-battered Sichuan Xinhua August 3, 2008 August 10, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080906200624/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/guangan/news/n214500920.shtml September 6, 2008 dead On August 8, the torch reached Beijing for the opening ceremony. After a spectacular art show and the parade of nations, the flame entered the stadium. The Olympic torch was relayed by 7 torchbearers before it was passed on to former Olympic gymnast Li Ning. Li, who was suspended by wires, then appeared to run horizontally along the top of the stadium and lit the Olympic cauldron. After it was lit, a spectacular firework show followed, signaling the official beginning of the 29th Olympiad.http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/beijing/news/n214518885.shtml Former gymnast Li Ning lights Olympic cauldron Xinhua August 8, 2008 August 10, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080809150016/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/beijing/news/n214518885.shtml August 9, 2008 dead Controversies Media coverage The coverage of the events by the media came under scrutiny during the relay. Chinese media coverage of the torch relay has been distinct in a number of ways from coverage elsewhere. Western reporters in Beijing have described Chinese media coverage as partial and censored (for example when Chinese media did not broadcast Reporters Without Borders' disruption of the torch lighting ceremony),fr"Sarkozy n'exclut pas un boycott de la cérémonie des JO"January 2020 InternetArchiveBot yes , Europe 1, March 25, 2008 See also: fr"Un allumage agité pour la flamme des JO"June 2017 InternetArchiveBot yes , Radio Suisse Romande, March 25, 2008 whereas Chinese netizens have in turn accused Western media coverage of being biased."China online: Tibet and torch reaction", BBC, April 17, 2008 See also: "China's new chart-topper: 'Don't be too like CNN'", France 24, April 17, 2008 See also: "CNN accused of bending the truth about Tibet", France 24, April 17, 2008 The French newspaper Libération was criticised by the Chinese State press agency Xinhua for its allegedly biased reporting; Xinhua suggested that Libération needed "a stinging slap in the face" for having "insulted the Olympic flame" and "supported a handful of saboteurs".fr"Donnons une claque cinglante à « Libération »" https://web.archive.org/web/20080504212950/http://www.french.xinhuanet.com/french/2008-04/13/content_613929.htm May 4, 2008 , Xinhua, April 13, 2008 In response to pro-Tibet and pro-human rights protests, the Chinese media focused on the more disruptive protesters, referring for example to "a very small number of 'Tibet independence' secessionists and a handful of so-called human rights-minded NGO activists" intent on "disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games"."Beijing Olympic official strongly condemns disruption of torch relay in Paris", Xinhua, April 8, 2008 See also: "Tibetan separatists try to sabotage Olympic torch relay in U.S.", Xinhua, April 10, 2008 However, the Chinese media published articles about crowds supporting the torch relay."Crowds gather to show support for Olympic torch relay" Xinhua, April 10, 2008 Xinhua and CCTV quoted relay spectators who condemned the protests,"French Olympic chief, spectators condemn disruption of Olympic torch relay in Paris", Xinhua, April 8, 2008 See also: "Netizens worldwide condemn violent protests at Olympic torch relay", April 8, 2008 See also: "Chinese Americans criticize torch relay disturbance", CCTV, April 10, 2008 to a greater extent than most Western media, but did not quote any alternative viewpoints, providing no coverage of support for the protests by some ordinary citizens in Western countries. It quoted athletes who expressed pride at taking part in the relays,"Ugandan track queen steps up training for Olympic torch relay", Xinhua, April 7, 2008 to a greater extent than Western media, but not those who, like Marie-José Pérec,Marie-José Pérec interviewed by France 24, April 7, 2008 expressed understanding and support for the protesters. The Beijing Organising Committee for the Games mentioned the "smiling faces of the elderly, children and the artists on the streets", of cheering and supportive Londoners."Ambassador Fu: Olympic torch spreads message of peace to the world" https://web.archive.org/web/20080408183538/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/london/news/n214295808.shtml April 8, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 7, 2008 Xinhua said that protesters were "radicals" who "trampled human rights" and whose activities were condemned by "the people of the world who cordially love the Olympic spirit"."BOOC thanks overseas supporters for torch relay, criticizes radical saboteurs", Xinhua, April 10, 2008 Reports on the Delhi relay were similarly distinct. Despite intended torchbearers Kiran Bedi,"Won't be caged, so won't run with torch: Kiran Bed", The Times of India, April 10, 2008 Soha Ali Khan,"Soha opts out of Olympic torch relay" https://web.archive.org/web/20121103032702/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200804151560.htm November 3, 2012 , The Hindu, April 15, 2008 Sachin Tendulkar"Tendulkar bowed out from Olympic torch relay", Newstrack India, April 16, 2008 and Bhaichung Bhutia all withdrawing from the event, the official Chinese website for the relay reported "Indian torchbearers vow to run for spirit of Olympics", and quoted torchbearers Manavjit Singh Sandhu, Abhinav Bindra, Ayaan Ali Khan and Rajinder Singh Rahelu all stating that sports and politics should not be mixed."Indian torchbearers vow to run for spirit of Olympics" https://web.archive.org/web/20080506145330/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/journey/newdelhi/news/n214310121.shtml May 6, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 16, 2008 Chinese media have also reported on Jin Jing,"Handicapped Jin receives hero's welcome for protecting Olympic torch in Paris", Xinhua, April 10, 2008 See also: "Touche: Assailant meets match", Lydia Chen, Shanghai Daily, April 9, 2008 See also: "Handicapped girl wins respect for protecting sacred flame", CCTV, April 10, 2008 whom the official Chinese torch relay website described as "heroic""Photos: Heroic torchbearer Jin Jing back in Beijing" https://web.archive.org/web/20080414232047/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/torchbearers/headlines/n214298691.shtml April 14, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 9, 2008 and an "angel","Chinese angel comes home" https://web.archive.org/web/20080414232057/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/torchbearers/headlines/n214299534.shtml April 14, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 10, 2008 whereas Western media initially gave her little mention – despite a Chinese claim that "Chinese Paralympic athlete Jin Jing has garnered much attention from the media"."Jin: Protecting the torch is my duty" https://web.archive.org/web/20080414034434/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/torchbearers/headlines/n214299282.shtml April 14, 2008 , official torch relay website, April 10, 2008 Some Western media have reported on Chinese accusations of Western media bias. The Daily Telegraph published an opinion piece by the Chinese ambassador to the United Kingdom, Fu Ying, who accused Western media of "demonising" China during their coverage of the torch relays."Chinese ambassador Fu Ying: Western media has 'demonised' China", Fu Ying, The Daily Telegraph, April 13, 2008 The Telegraph also asked its readers to send their views in response to the question "Is the West demonising China?""Is the West demonising China?", The Daily Telegraph, April 13, 2008 The BBC reported on a demonstration in Sydney by Chinese Australians "voicing support for Beijing amid controversy over Tibet" and protesting against what they saw as Western media bias. The report showed demonstrators carrying signs which read "Shame on some Western media", "BBC CNN lies too" and "Stop media distortion!". One demonstrator interviewed by the BBC stated: "I saw some news from CNN, from the BBC, some media [inaudible], and they are just lying.""Pro-China rally in Australia", BBC, April 14, 2008 Libération also reported that it had been accused of bias by the Chinese media.fr"«Libé» épinglé en Chine", Pascale Nivelle, Libération, April 12, 2008 On April 17, Xinhua condemned what it called "biased coverage of the Lhasa riots and the Olympic torch relay by the U.S.-based Cable News Network (CNN)"."CNN biased coverage comes under fire", Xinhua, April 17, 2008 The same day, the Chinese government called on CNN to "apologise" for having allegedly insulted the Chinese people, and for "attempting to incite the Chinese people against the government"."China urges again that CNN sincerely apologizes over insulting words", Xinhua, April 17, 2008 CNN issued a statement on April 14, responded to China over 'thugs and goons' comment by Jack Cafferty.CNN apologises to China over 'thugs and goons' comment by Jack Cafferty Alexi Mostrous, Times, April 16, 2008. On April 19, the BBC reported that 1,300 people had gathered outside BBC buildings in Manchester and London, protesting against what they described as Western media bias. Several days earlier, the BBC had published an article entitled "The challenges of reporting in China", responding to earlier criticism. The BBC's Paul Danahar noted that Chinese people were now "able to access the BBC News website for the first time, after years of strict censorship", and that "many were critical of our coverage". He provided readers with a reminder of censorship in China, and added: "People who criticise the media for their coverage in Tibet should acknowledge that we were and still are banned from reporting there." He also quoted critical Chinese responses, and invited readers to comment."The challenges of reporting in China", BBC, April 3, 2008 On April 20, the People's Daily published a report entitled "Overseas Chinese rally against biased media coverage, for Olympics". It included images of Chinese people demonstrating in France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. One picture showed Chinese demonstrators holding a sign which claimed, incorrectly,"China online: Tibet and torch reaction", BBC, April 17, 2008 See also: "Carrefour faces China boycott bid", BBC, April 15, 2008 that the BBC had not reported on Jin Jing."Overseas Chinese rally against biased media coverage, for Olympics", People's Daily, April 20, 2008 The People's Daily quoted one protester who claimed the "BBC on some of the recent events has misled the British public and the rest of the world by providing intensive untruthful reports and biased coverage.""Overseas Chinese in Britain rally in protest against Western media distortion", People's Daily, April 20, 2008 On April 4, there were reports of an Anti-CNN website that criticizes the cable network's coverage of recent events. The site appears to have been created by a Beijing citizen. However, foreign correspondents in Beijing claimed that the site may be a semi-government-made website. A Chinese government spokesman said the site was spontaneously set up by a Chinese citizen angered over media coverage.Report: China seen sponsoring anti-CNN website https://web.archive.org/web/20080508011225/http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2008/ea_china0026_04_04.asp May 8, 2008 , World Tribune. April 4, 2008. Torch security thumb|In blue, Beijing Olympic Games Sacred Flame Protection Unit, Turned off by torch guards NBC News November 4, 2008 https://www.nbcnews.com/id/24060377 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141932/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24060377/ dead March 5, 2016 April 11, 2008 escorting the Olympic Torch as it passes through Notting Hill in London. The Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee sent out a team of 30 unarmed attendants selected from the People's Armed Police to escort the flame throughout its journey. Torch song trilogy The Economist October 4, 2008 http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11016360 April 14, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080501012123/http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11016360 May 1, 2008 live According to Asian Times, sworn in as the "Beijing Olympic Games Sacred Flame Protection Unit" during a ceremony in August 2007, their main job was to keep the Olympic flame alight throughout the journey and to assist in transferring the flame between the torches, the lanterns and the cauldrons.http://www.atchinese.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48431&Itemid=110 zh:千中選一："中國聖火護衛隊"惹關注 zh dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080416080412/http://www.atchinese.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48431&Itemid=110 April 16, 2008 They wear matching blue tracksuits and are intended to accompany the torch every step of the way.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/07/olympicgames2008.china China's 'flame attendants' and world's most guarded relay The Guardian April 7, 2008 April 8, 2008 London Paul Kelso https://web.archive.org/web/20080411031219/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/07/olympicgames2008.china April 11, 2008 live One of the torch attendants, dubbed "Second Right Brother," had developed a significant online fan-base, particularly among China's female netizens.http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/hes-hot-to-trot/2008/05/07/1209839706971.html They're hot to trot for the keeper of the flame – web – Technology The Age May 9, 2008 Hutcheon Stephen Melbourne, Australia May 7, 2008 Two additional teams of 40 attendants each accompanied the flame on its Mainland China route. This arrangement had however sparked several controversies. Flashpoints On April 6, Sebastian Coe, the head of 2012 London Summer Olympics, said about the attendants, "Horrible...They tried to push me out of the way three times. They did not speak English. They were thugs.""Tracksuited guardians of the flame", BBC, April 9, 2008 According to the China News Service, however, the attendants have received training in five foreign languages (English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese) and the etiquette of various countries before their mission. Konnie Huq reportedly described them as "bloody aggressive" and "robotic"."Questions raised over mysterious 'men in blue'", Jerome Taylor and Clifford Coonan, The Independent, April 8, 2008 The BBC reported that London's Metropolitan Police criticized the Protection Unit for "getting in the way of officers trying to restore calm". Also in the United Kingdom, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis expressed concerns about the Protection Unit, and asked Home Secretary Jacqui Smith: “Who in the British Government authorized their presence and what checks were made as to their background?”"Unmasked: Chinese guardians of Olympic torch", The Times, April 9, 2008 Damian Hockney, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, stated that "there's no way people like that should be allowed on our streets"."Sinister Keepers of the Flame: Controversy over 'Thuggish' Chinese Olympic Torch Guards", Alexander Schwabe, Der Spiegel, April 9, 2008 At a later mayoral debate, the incumbent mayor, Ken Livingstone, admitted that allowing the Chinese secret police to guard the Olympic torch during its London relay was a mistake saying "it was wrong and should not have happened"."Mayor admits olympic torch error", BBC news website, April 15, 2008 On April 25, the British government's national security department, the Home Office, passed complaints about Chinese security guards' conduct during the London Olympic torch relay to the Olympic Games organisers. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith stated that the guards had no policing powers and that they could only protect the Olympic flame by "placing themselves between the offender and the torch bearer". She also added, "We are raising concerns that have been reported in the media and by spectators at the torch relay with the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games through the event organisers."https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7367722.stm Torch guards complaints reported BBC April 25, 2008 September 20, 2008 On April 7, during the torch's journey through Paris, due to frequent attempts by protesters who were seemingly from the pro-Tibet camp to capture or extinguish the torch, flame attendants extinguished the torch on several occasions and removed it from the hands of torchbearers to place it aboard a bus,"Controversy over 'Thuggish' Chinese Olympic Torch Guards", Alexander Schwabe, Der Spiegel, April 9, 2008 thus altering the intended relay. This prompted criticism from Paris' mayor, Bertrand Delanoë, who accused them of "disrupting" the passing of the torch from athlete David Douillet to Teddy Riner."Delanoë: le passage de la flamme à Paris, "mouvement fort" en faveur du Tibet" https://web.archive.org/web/20080412083638/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jrX6u7zOOuUI-BZRehinsKXTBlMA April 12, 2008 , AFP, April 8, 2008 See also: Video coverage by France 2, April 7, 2008 On April 11, the chairman of the National Public Safety Commission of Japan, Shinya Izumi indicated that Japan will not welcome "security runners" from China to accompany the Olympic torch when it arrives in Nagano if their role is to serve as guards.http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news/20080411p2a00m0na016000c.html Japan won't welcome Chinese Olympic torch guards, gov't official indicates Mainichi Daily News April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080412015817/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news/20080411p2a00m0na016000c.html April 12, 2008 dead Izumi said, "We do not know what position the people who escorted the relay are in," Izumi continued, "If they are for the consideration of security, it is our role."https://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUST21452620080411 Japan says no to Chinese torch guards: reports Reuters April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 Yoko Kubota https://web.archive.org/web/20080415041227/https://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUST21452620080411 April 15, 2008 live The director-General of the National Police Agency of Japan, Hiroto Yoshimura said the issue was connected to Japan's sovereignty, "If the accompanying runners are there to provide maintenance for the torch, then there's no problem, but if they are providing security then it's a problem in terms of violating Japan's sovereignty, and we would tell the Chinese side not to provide security."http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japanese-authorities-express-concern-over-olympic-torch-relay-in-nagano Japan won't let Chinese security guards accompany Olympic torch relay in Nagano Japan Today April 11, 2008 April 11, 2008 On April 7, the federal government of Australia ruled out any Chinese involvement in security operations when the Olympic torch arrives in Australia.http://news.theage.com.au/torch-to-be-guarded-by-australians-only/20080408-24hu.html Torch to be guarded by Australians only news.theage.com.au April 8, 2008 April 8, 2008 Melbourne Julian Drape https://web.archive.org/web/20080412034400/http://news.theage.com.au/torch-to-be-guarded-by-australians-only/20080408-24hu.html April 12, 2008 dead Chinese flame attendants will be allowed into Australia, but only to maintain the flame. The chairman of the Canberra relay taskforce, Ted Quinlan, has stated they "could be subject to arrest [...] if they laid a hand on somebody"."Australia warns Olympic torch guards over tough tactics", Haroon Siddique, The Guardian, April 16, 2008 See also: https://www.smh.com.au/news/beijing2008/torch-protesters-warned/2008/04/16/1208025249706.html?page=2 New police powers to stop torch violence April 16, 2008 The Sydney Morning Herald On April 22, Chinese ambassador to Australia Zhang Junsai stated that the flame attendants would "use their bodies" to protect the torch in Canberra. Following a talk with Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates, Ambassador Zhang subsequently said that his statement had been "misinterpreted"."Olympic torch lands in Australia", The Age, April 23, 2008 Coates said that the flame attendants were "technical assistants", and re-iterated that they would play no security role.https://archive.today/20120712233044/http://news.smh.com.au/olympic-flame-in-canberra-for-relay/20080423-27y0.html "Olympic flame in Canberra for relay", Sydney Morning Herald, April 23, 2008 Shortly before the beginning of the Canberra relay, Australian and Chinese officials argued in public over the role of the flame attendants, during a press conference. Beijing spokesman Qu Yingpu stated that the attendants' role included security, a claim immediately rejected by Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, who, sitting a few metres from Qu and "clearly furious" according to the Herald Sun, re-iterated once more that Australian police would handle all security."China's determination to 'defend' relay sparks fury" https://web.archive.org/web/20080427053817/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C23590170-5016724%2C00.html April 27, 2008 , Ben English, Herald Sun, April 24, 2008 See also: "Australia, China disagree on torch security", ABC Radio Australia, April 23, 2008 The International Olympic Committee subsequently backed Australia's position, with IOC president Jacques Rogge stating: "The sovereignty of Australia is absolute; security is a matter for Australia, it is not a matter for these people, that is very clear."Rogge backs Rudd on torch security April 24, 2008 The Australian http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23590716-12377,00.htmlMarch 2025 medicmedic During the relay itself, three Chinese guards nonetheless attempted to run alongsided the torchbearers, and were repeatedly pulled away by Australian police."Smooth run for Australia's relay", BBC, April 24, 2008 IOC Response In response to these controversies, the International Olympic Committee noted on April 9 that the Protection Unit's role is "100% normal...The torch relay escort team is always supplied by the organising committee of the Games... there is nothing unusual about it". The Chinese government has also responded to the criticism, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu stating: "Relevant countries should have a clear understanding of the rules of the escorts and understand their work. They have used their bodies to protect the torch, so their acts should be praised and the violent acts of those Tibet independence elements be condemned.""Heavy security for torch in Delhi", BBC, April 17, 2008 Also, according to British journalist Brendan O’Neill, there is nothing mysterious about the security-service employees of the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee. O'Neill reported presence of foreign security officials in the UK and their duty to guard foreign embassies and protect visiting foreign dignitaries. During the 2004 Olympic torch relay, Greek security officials followed and monitored the movement of the Olympic flame.http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/4963/ The invasion of the robotic thugs spiked-online.com Reactions In China, a call to boycott French hypermart Carrefour from May 1 began spreading through mobile text messaging and online chat rooms amongst the Chinese over the weekend from April 12, accusing the company's major shareholder, the LVMH Group, of donating funds to the Dalai Lama. There were also calls to extend the boycott to include French luxury goods and cosmetic products. Chinese protesters organized boycotts of the French-owned retail chain Carrefour in major Chinese cities including Kunming, Hefei and Wuhan, accusing the French nation of pro-secessionist conspiracy and anti-Chinese racism. Some burned French flags, some added Swastika (due to its connotations with Nazism) to the French flag, and spread short online messages calling for large protests in front of French consulates and embassy. Some shoppers who insisted on entering one of the Carrefour stores in Kunming were blocked by boycotters wielding large Chinese flags and hit by water bottles. Hundreds of people joined Anti-French rallies in Beijing, Wuhan, Hefei, Kunming and Qingdao, which quickly spread to other cities like Xi'an, Harbin and Jinan.Chinese cities hit by fresh anti-Western protests https://web.archive.org/web/20080423111609/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/342557/1/.html April 23, 2008 , ChannelNewsAsia. Carrefour denied any support or involvement in the Tibetan issue, and had its staff in its Chinese stores wear uniforms emblazoned with the Chinese national flag and caps with Olympic insignia and as well as the words "Beijing 2008" to show its support for the games. The effort had to be ceased when the BOCOG deemed the use of official Olympic insignia as illegal and a violation of copyright.https://www.reuters.com/article/reutersComService_2_MOLT/idUSPEK469020080429 Beijing strips Carrefour workers of goodwill hats Reuters April 29, 2008 Ian Ransom right 25% The more the Dalai Lama clique tries to disrupt the Olympic torch relay and some Western politicians and media take advantage to launch attacks and condemn China, the more we need to unify with the people of the world to hold a successful Olympic Games. Xinhuahttp://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/national%20news/2008/04/21/152848/Fresh-anti-Western.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080510185319/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/national%20news/2008/04/21/152848/Fresh-anti-Western.htm dead May 10, 2008 Fresh anti-Western protests rock China Robert J. Saiget Agence France-Presse April 21, 2008 6 January 2010 In response to the demonstrations, the Chinese government attempted to calm the situation, possibly fearing the protests may spiral out of control as has happened in recent years, including the anti-Japanese protests in 2005. State media and commentaries began to call for calm, such as an editorial in the People's Daily which urged Chinese people to "express [their] patriotic enthusiasm calmly and rationally, and express patriotic aspiration in an orderly and legal manner". The government also began to patrol and censor the internet forums such as Sohu.com, with comments related to the Carrefour boycott removed. In the days prior to the planned boycott, evidence of efforts by Chinese authorities to choke the mass boycott's efforts online became even more evident, including barring searches of words related to the French protests, but protests broke out nonetheless in front of Carrefour's stores at Beijing, Changsha, Fuzhou and Shenyang on May 1.Fresh protests staged at Carrefour stores in China https://web.archive.org/web/20080501235620/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/344896/1/.html May 1, 2008 , ChannelNewsAsia. Pro-China rallies and demonstrations were held in several cities in response to the relay protests, including Paris, London, Berlin and Los Angeles.Chinese holding rallies to back Beijing Games, China Daily. In Japan, the Mayor of Nagano Shoichi Washizawa said that it has become a "great nuisance" for the city to host the torch relay prior to the Nagano leg. Washizawa's aides said the mayor's remark was not criticism about the relay itself but about the potential disruptions and confusion surrounding it.http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200804180371.html Temple pulls out of torch relay Asahi Shimbun Japan April 19, 2008 April 19, 2008 May 2016 medicmedic　A city employee of the Nagano City Office ridiculed the protests in Europe, saying "they are doing something foolish" in a televised interview. The City Office officially apologized later and explained what he had wanted to say was "such violent protests were not easy to accept".http://www.city.nagano.nagano.jp/pcp_portal/PortalServlet?DISPLAY_ID=DIRECT&NEXT_DISPLAY_ID=U000004&CONTENTS_ID=13392 https://archive.today/20120722025510/http://www.city.nagano.nagano.jp/pcp_portal/PortalServlet?DISPLAY_ID=DIRECT&NEXT_DISPLAY_ID=U000004&CONTENTS_ID=13392 dead July 22, 2012 ja:市職員の不適切発言について（おわび） Nagano City Office April 2008 April 18, 2008 ja Also citing concerns about protests as well as the recent violence in Tibet, a major Buddhist temple in Nagano cancelled its plans to host the opening stage of the Olympic torch relay.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7353809.stm Japan temple rejects torch relay BBC April 18, 2008 January 1, 2010 This temple was vandalised by an unidentified person the day after in apparent revenge.http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080421a2.html Temple defaced after torch refusal The Japan Times April 21, 2008 See also 2004 Summer Olympics torch relay 2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest 2008 Summer Paralympics torch relay 2022 Winter Olympics torch relay References 30em External links Official sites Official site of the Beijing 2008 Torch relay Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in London Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong Official videos "Sacred flame blazes way through the 'city of apples'": Almaty "Torch relay extends Saint Petersburg's blessings for Beijing Olympics": Saint Petersburg "Olympic flame crosses London amid snow": London "Sacred flame gets a French kiss": Paris "Crowds gather to show support for Olympic torch relay": San Francisco "Olympic flame lights passion of 'Tango City'": Buenos Aires "Eighth stop of global torch relay concludes": Dar es Salaam "Olympic flame back to Asia in Muscat relay": Muscat "Pakistan torch relay a fiery success": Islamabad "Olympic torch relay in New Delhi a 'success'": New Delhi "Olympic flame sheds glee in 'City of Smile'": Bangkok "Torch relay concludes successfully through downpour": Kuala Lumpur "Sacred flame finishes tour of Southeast Asia": Jakarta "Torch relay concludes in Canberra peacefully": Canberra "Olympic Torch Relay in Nagano concludes": Nagano "Olympic torch relay in Seoul concludes": Seoul "Well-organized torch relay completes in Pyongyang": Pyongyang Other sites Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Torch Relay coverage by Community-online.com Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Google Map "The torch's route around the world" – a step by step overview by the BBC BBC video of the torch relay in Bangkok, showing supporters with Chinese flags, and pro-Tibet protesters vB6trQ3GIoQ Olympic Torch Relay in London FpnAWNcq8zs Olympic Torch Relay in Paris Pictures from Olympic Torch Relay and protests in San Francisco Part 2 Part 3 Torch relay Category:Summer Olympics torch relays