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Olympic Protesters Zero In on Sponsors

Tibet, Darfur activists lobby corporations, with some success

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 23, 2008 8:42 AM CDT
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(Newser) – As the Beijing Olympics approach, advocates for a free Tibet and peace in Darfur are trying to hit the Games where it hurts: in the wallet. A coalition of groups has been petitioning the corporations that are sponsoring this year's Olympics to press China on their behalf. The strategy seems to be having at least modest success, writes the Guardian.

Coca-Cola, for example, is under intense pressure to back out of sponsoring the torch relay unless China diverts its planned path through Tibet. Actor George Clooney has already raised the issue of Darfur with Omega, the watchmaker for which he is a spokesman. Sponsors may not make policy, but "they have lobbying firms, they have international presences—and they all do engage in politics," said one activist.

A Tibetan activist puts up an anti-China poster during a Free Tibet protest Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
A Tibetan activist puts up an anti-China poster during a "Free Tibet" protest Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in Jakarta, Indonesia.   (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Two young boys walk past a battlewagon belonging to fighters of the Sudan Liberation Army's Abdel Wahed (SLA-AW) faction Thursday April 17, 2008 at an unknown location in North Darfur.
Two young boys walk past a battlewagon belonging to fighters of the Sudan Liberation Army's Abdel Wahed (SLA-AW) faction Thursday April 17, 2008 at an unknown location in North Darfur.   (AP Photo)
Hundreds of protesters raise their painted hands as they gather outside Sudanese Embassy in London for a rally calling for the end of crisis in Darfur and to mark the 5th anniversary of the start of the crisis in Darfur, Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Hundreds of protesters raise their painted hands as they gather outside Sudanese Embassy in London for a rally calling for the end of crisis in Darfur and to mark the 5th anniversary of the start of the...   (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
Indonesian badminton player Ivana Lie carries the Olympic torch during its relay in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, April 22, 2008.
Indonesian badminton player Ivana Lie carries the Olympic torch during its relay in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, April 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
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China • Darfur • Coca Cola • 2008 Beijing Olympics • Tibet • George Clooney • Omega • corporate sponsorship • torch relay

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