NEWS - The Relay of the FLAME OF SHAME Begins

[Boycott China]

At approximately 0915 UK time two activists (possibly three) protesting against China's occupation of Tibet disrupted the torch lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece on 24th March 2008, as the Chinese delegate of the International Olympics Committee made his speech. The newsfeed to China was instantly cut at this time, plus the cameras covering the event for the West were immediately redirected from the incident as the protesters where dragged away by some of the 1,000 police guarding the event. The event continued without hesitation. What has happened to the protesters is not yet known. It's alleged that the activists were assisted by 'Reporters Without Borders' to break security at the torch lighting ceremony. A flag-like banner was briefly held up behind the Chinese delegate apparently with the words "Boycott the country that tramples on human rights".

In addition, the event itself had to be rescheduled, because it was feared that a forecasted lack of sun, high wind, and rain may prevent the torch being lit via a mirror reflecting the sun, and a 'back-up' flame had been prepared, however after a longer wait than usual the flame did light using the mirror, which is believed to signal good fortune for the Games. And although in rehearsals the 'dove of peace' failed to fly away, during the actual ceremony it flew away successfully, also signalling a good omen according to the tradition of the Games.

24th March 2008 - uploaded at 1030 (source www.boycottchina.org.uk)
by John Smith