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China Arrests 45 in 'Olympic Terror Plot'

Terrorist plot averted, officials say, but credibility problem persists

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2008 8:37 AM CDT
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(Newser) – China has rooted out two terrorist groups plotting to kidnap Olympic athletes and attack tourist hotels during the games, the Ministry of Public Security announced today. Chinese forces rounded up 45 suspects and seized explosives and “jihadist” literature in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. But China has often cried “terrorism” as a means of repressing dissent in Xinjiang, human rights groups note.

“Because their definition of terrorism includes peaceful dissent and protest, it has become impossible to” fully trust the reports, said one Human Rights Watch member. The ministry said an Islamic separatist group was behind the plot, ordering members to kidnap journalists and athletes, and attack hotels with explosives and poison. “We face a real terrorist threat,” one official said.

Visitors walk along a road in front of the National Stadium in Beijing, main site of the 2008 Olympics, Tuesday Feb. 12, 2008.
Visitors walk along a road in front of the National Stadium in Beijing, main site of the 2008 Olympics, Tuesday Feb. 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
Delegates to China's National People's Congress stand near the logo of an Olympic sponsor, in Beijing's Great Hall of the People in this March 10, 2008 file photo.
Delegates to China's National People's Congress stand near the logo of an Olympic sponsor, in Beijing's Great Hall of the People in this March 10, 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
Chinese security spokesman Wu Heping addresses the media in this file photo. Wu today announced that China had foiled a terrorist kidnapping plot targeting the Olympic games.
Chinese security spokesman Wu Heping addresses the media in this file photo. Wu today announced that China had foiled a terrorist kidnapping plot targeting the Olympic games.   (PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
Visitors walk along a road in front of the National Stadium in Beijing, main site of the 2008 Olympics, Tuesday Feb. 12, 2008.
Visitors walk along a road in front of the National Stadium in Beijing, main site of the 2008 Olympics, Tuesday Feb. 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
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China announces foiled plot, while EU votes for boycott
Reuters

Chinese newspaper likens Tibetan group to al-Qaeda
Xinhua (China)

Amidst Tibet unrest Xinjiang also seethes
AFP

 
China • jihad • terror plots • kidnapping • 2008 Beijing Olympics • Human Rights Watch • terrorist groups • East Turkestan Islamic Movement • Xinjiang

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