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07/04/2008
Arrested Olympics Protesters Released
The 37 people arrested during protests at the Olympic torch relay in London on Sunday have been released, but fresh protests in Paris have culminated in the cancellation of a ceremony to mark the torch's passing.
According to reports, in London three protesters were released on bail, while the others were given cautions or fixed penalty notices or released without charge.
The protests against China's human rights record and treatment of Tibetans started as the relay began at Wembley and continued along the 31-mile route to the O2 Arena in Greenwich.
Both pro-Tibet and pro-China supporters turned out for the event.
In the worst incidents, an attempt was made to grab the torch from the hands of former 'Blue Peter' presenter Konnie Huq as she carried the torch between Lancaster Road and Blenheim Crescent.
Elsewhere along the route, on the corner of Holland Park and Ladbroke Grove, two protesters attempted to put out the flame with a fire extinguisher.
Protests have also been taking place in Paris today as the Olympic Torch relay came to the French capital. According to reports, officials were forced to extinguish the flame four times due to safety concerns over the angry protests.
A ceremony at the city hall to mark the passing of the torch was cancelled by Mayor Bertrand Delanoe and the relay was also reportedly cut short.
Around 500 people were reported to be involved in demonstrations. The demonstrations are believed to be centred near the Eiffel Tower and it has been reported that firemen had to cut free a group of protesters who had chained themselves to the tower.
Hundreds of protesters also gathered on the Trocadero esplanade, where the relay began.
At least five people are reported to have been arrested.
Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, said: "The IOC has expressed serious concerns and calls for rapid, peaceful resolution in Tibet."
Mr Rogge also said that violence, "for whatever reason", was not compatible with the values of the torch relay and the Olympic Games.
The torch, which began its journey in Olympia in Greece, will be paraded through 20 countries before being carried to the opening ceremony of this year's games in Beijing on August 8.
(KMcA/JM)
According to reports, in London three protesters were released on bail, while the others were given cautions or fixed penalty notices or released without charge.
The protests against China's human rights record and treatment of Tibetans started as the relay began at Wembley and continued along the 31-mile route to the O2 Arena in Greenwich.
Both pro-Tibet and pro-China supporters turned out for the event.
In the worst incidents, an attempt was made to grab the torch from the hands of former 'Blue Peter' presenter Konnie Huq as she carried the torch between Lancaster Road and Blenheim Crescent.
Elsewhere along the route, on the corner of Holland Park and Ladbroke Grove, two protesters attempted to put out the flame with a fire extinguisher.
Protests have also been taking place in Paris today as the Olympic Torch relay came to the French capital. According to reports, officials were forced to extinguish the flame four times due to safety concerns over the angry protests.
A ceremony at the city hall to mark the passing of the torch was cancelled by Mayor Bertrand Delanoe and the relay was also reportedly cut short.
Around 500 people were reported to be involved in demonstrations. The demonstrations are believed to be centred near the Eiffel Tower and it has been reported that firemen had to cut free a group of protesters who had chained themselves to the tower.
Hundreds of protesters also gathered on the Trocadero esplanade, where the relay began.
At least five people are reported to have been arrested.
Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, said: "The IOC has expressed serious concerns and calls for rapid, peaceful resolution in Tibet."
Mr Rogge also said that violence, "for whatever reason", was not compatible with the values of the torch relay and the Olympic Games.
The torch, which began its journey in Olympia in Greece, will be paraded through 20 countries before being carried to the opening ceremony of this year's games in Beijing on August 8.
(KMcA/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
