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July 25, 2008 10:12:49 PM CDT

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London Erupts in Torch Protests

Posted Apr 6, 08 7:55 AM CDT in Sports,  World 

(Newser) – Despite massive security, London erupted today in a series of protests along the route of the Olympic flame relay, and a "free Tibet" protester managed to grab the torch before police wrestled him to the ground, reports the Guardian. At least 25 protesters were busted as scores of police grappled with activists demonstrating against China's human rights abuses.

Two demonstrators tried to douse the flame with a fire extinguisher while others blocked runners throughout the 31-mile relay route. At the handoff to former Olympic champion Denise Lewis, outside Downing Street, some booed while others tried to leap barriers. Thousands of peaceful protesters also attended, some wrapped in Tibetan flags and carrying "Torch of Shame" and "China, Talk to Dalai Lama" signs.

Source Guardian (UK)

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Police restrain a Free Burma demonstrator as the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch pass in Whitehall, London, today.   (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
More scuffles in London during Olympic torch relay today.   (AP Photo/Ian Walton, Pool)
A police officer pushes away human rights activist in London today.   (AP Photo/Ian Walton, Pool)
Police detain a Free Tibet demonstrator shortly after the Olympic torch procession had passes close to the British Museum in central London today.   (AP Photo/ Martin Cleaver)
Police restrain a Free Tibet demonstrator as the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch pass in Whitehall, London, today.   (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Police and demonstrators clash along the route of the torch relay in London, yesterday. Police scuffled with protesters as Olympians and celebrities carried the Olympic torch through snowy London.   (AP Photo/Ian Walton, Pool)
A police officer detains a pro-Tibet demonstrator along the route of the torch relay in London, Sunday April 6, 2008. Police scuffled with protesters as Olympians and celebrities carried the Olympic torch...   (AP Photo/Ian Walton, Pool)
Police keep Free Tibet demonstrators, right, apart from Chinese supporters, left, shortly after the Olympic torch had passed the British Museum in central London today.   (AP Photo/ Martin Cleaver)
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China  • 2008 Beijing Olympics  • Burma  • Tibet  • Olympic torch  • Tibetan independence  • Tibetans in exile



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