Cheers replace protests as Olympic torch reaches Hong Kong
Cheers replace protests as Olympic torch reaches Hong Kong
- Rachel Stevenson and agencies
- guardian.co.uk,
- Wednesday April 30 2008
The embattled Olympic torch is back in Chinese territory today after a troubled and turbulent world tour.
The torch landed in Hong Kong earlier today, greeted at the airport by a marching band and flag-waving children in red and white tracksuits.
But keen to avoid any further disruption from anti-Chinese protesters who have dogged the torch's route so far, authorities barred at least seven activists from entering the country.
A Danish human rights campaigner, three Tibet independence supporters and an organiser of an independent Chinese writers' group, were among those deported.
A small number of pro-democracy campaigners did manage to stage a protest during today's welcoming ceremony, albeit at a fair distance from the proceedings.
Holding a banner that said, "human rights are universal rights", the protesters were kept in the street, far away from the venue by police. Three thousand police will guard the route during its eight-hour relay in the city on Friday.
Human rights groups have accused the Hong Kong government of quashing free speech to avoid the political embarrassment of any demonstrations involving the torch. Although Hong Kong is part of China, it is supposed to enjoy a wide degree of autonomy and greater freedom under a "one country, two systems" model of governance.
The 20-nation torch trip has become a focus point for anti-Chinese campaigners, with the Beijing's recent violent and repressive policies in Tibet provoking angry protests along much of the journey. Routes had to be changed at the last minute to thwart protesters, and packs of Chinese paramilitary police in blue tracksuits protected the torch on its journey.
Now on Chinese soil, cheering crowds are expected to follow its remaining route and in Beijing, celebrations were planned today, as the Games are due to star in 100.
But in another blow for the Chinese authorities, one of the most prestigious legs of the torch's route may now be in jeopardy. Organisers planned to ascend the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, with a separate torch specially made for the high altitude, but bad weather now means it may not go ahead.
albeit - aczkolwiek
bar – zagradzać, zakazywać
disruption – zakłócenie, zamęt
dog – śledzić, tropić
embattled - osaczony
quash - tłumić
relay - sztafeta
thwart – udaremniać, psuć szyki
turbulent – burzliwy, niespokojny
venue – miejsce (zdarzenia)
