From Deseret News archives:
Oly flame is nearly snuffed
London: Protest against Chinese disrupts torch relay
The biggest protests since last month's torch-lighting in Greece tarnished China's hope for a harmonious prelude to a Summer Games celebrating its rise as a global power. Instead, the flame's 85,000-mile journey has become a stage for activists decrying China's recent crackdown on Tibetans and support for Sudan despite civilian deaths in Darfur.
The torch made it unscathed to the O2 Arena in Greenwich after more than seven fraught hours that belied the London event's theme: "Journey of Harmony."
"There was definitely a bit of an edge," British tennis player Tim Henman, one of the torchbearers, told The Associated Press.
Demonstrators attempted to board the bus trailing the torch shortly after British five-time gold medal rower Steve Redgrave started the relay at Wembley Stadium.
Less than an hour later, a protester slipped through a tight police cordon and gripped the torch before he was thrown to the ground and arrested.
"I do feel for the cause," she said. "I think that China have got a despicable human rights record."
Another demonstrator tried to snuff the flame with a spray of white powder from a fire extinguisher, police said. Still others threw themselves in the torch's path. They were tackled or dragged off by police. Authorities said 37 people were arrested.
London's Metropolitan police said some 2,000 officers, on foot, motorcycles, bikes, and on horseback tried to keep the procession under control.
One group of Tibetan protesters was corralled in metal barricades across from Bloomsbury Square.
"It feels like we are restrained like a sheep in a barn," said Passang Dolne, 27, a Tibetan national who works as a nurse in London. "It really hurts."
Chinese nationals about 100 yards away were allowed to move freely as they waved Chinese flags distributed by the Chinese Embassy and the Bank of China.
"We don't like the Tibet people who use this time against the Chinese. It's not a proper venue," said Ting Yan, 27.
The demonstration swelled near where Chinese Ambassador Fu Ying was expected to carry the torch. Frantic organizers shuffled the order of participants, and Fu unexpectedly appeared in the heart of Chinatown, jogging unhindered with the torch before handing it to the next runner.
Recent comments
Leave China Alone. We need their cheap labor and Products. And IF...
Anonymous | April 7, 2008 at 1:54 p.m.
too bad they were unable to put it out. I am really surprised no...
dang it | April 7, 2008 at 8:16 a.m.
I think they're trying to tell us something!!
wow | April 7, 2008 at 6:11 a.m.
- Dixie campus briefs 1:10 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 1:09 a.m.
- UVU campus briefs 1:07 a.m.
- Utah Utes campus briefs 1:07 a.m.
- Visit to paradise nightmarish for Ags 12:32 a.m.
- Utes struggling to shake starts 12:31 a.m.
- Cougars' execution flawless 12:30 a.m.
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings 12:17 a.m.
- 3A football: Tigers pull away 12:12 a.m.
- Editorial: 'Immigrant' children needy 12:12 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
207 - Dirk does dirty work in Dallas
190 - Lobo suspended
171 - Speed has never been BYU's game
136 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
128 - House passes health care bill
111 - RSL rallies to advance
102 - Prep football: San Juan vs. S. Sevier
102 - Thousands protest health bill
100 - Provo company innovating engines
98
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Nothing proposed would keep young adults from learning of the reality of sex,...
the only "decent" team we played we lost to? I guess that Air Force isn't a...
I am watching the game again, and it is awesome!!!
I can't help but laugh inside when I read comments from YBU/TCU fans who...
(from the independant) I like Dennis Miller.... and Bill Maher, although I...
As a BYU alumnus, I can't justify to myself ever donating another dollar to...
Not a chance. Don't get me wrong they are both studs, but if Asiata wasn't...
Titan Fan, sorry that some of your best players got hurt. I hope they...
So sad how fear based so many are.
Will the Jazz even make the playoffs this year. The way they are playing it...


