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Olympic Committee May Cancel Torch Relay

IOC to meet in Beijing to discuss massive protests

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2008 4:33 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The International Olympic Committee has scheduled an extraordinary meeting to discuss whether the remainder of this year's torch relay should be canceled. In the face of massive protests against China's human rights abuses, the committee is considering a plan to limit the remainder of the relay to China, reports AFP. But Beijing officials have insisted that the relay will continue as planned.

In Paris yesterday the Olympic flame was snuffed out five times in the midst of overwhelming protests, and demonstrations in San Francisco, the next leg of the relay, are already under way. Opinion differs on the IOC board about whether the relay should be canceled, but the issue will be debated at a meeting in Beijing on Thursday.

Protesters descend cables on the Golden Gate Bridge after erecting banners Monday, April 7, 2008, in San Francisco in protest of China's human rights record and the impending arrival of the Olympic torch.
Protesters descend cables on the Golden Gate Bridge after erecting banners Monday, April 7, 2008, in San Francisco in protest of China's human rights record and the impending arrival of the Olympic torch....   (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
A Pro-Tibet protestor escapes a police officer during the Olympic Torch relay Monday, April 7, 2008 in Paris.
A Pro-Tibet protestor escapes a police officer during the Olympic Torch relay Monday, April 7, 2008 in Paris.   (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
A pro-Tibet supporter shout as the Olympic Torch relay takes place in Paris, Monday April 7, 2008.
A pro-Tibet supporter shout as the Olympic Torch relay takes place in Paris, Monday April 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Officials of the International Olympic Committee suggested they may consider doing away with the international route of the torch relay.
Officials of the International Olympic Committee suggested they may consider doing away with the international route of the torch relay.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
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San Francisco columnist wants relay scrapped
San Francisco Chronicle

China insists torch will go through Tibet
AFP

 
China • 2008 Beijing Olympics • Tibet • Olympic torch • International Olympic Committee • Olympic protests • torch relay

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