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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Australia Spirits Away Torch Ahead of Relay

Protesters do their thing anyway

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(Newser) – The Olympic torch arrived Down Under today, but was immediately whisked off to a secret location to avoid protesters, the AP reports. Tomorrow’s torch relay in Canberra will be open to the public—unlike those in Jakarta and New Delhi—but the route will be lined with yard-high fences and police. 

Protesters gathered across Australia today, holding a candlelit vigil in Canberra, and draping a banner over a Coke billboard in Sydney. Australian PM Kevin Rudd has said police will come down "like a ton of bricks" on anyone who behaves unlawfully during the relay.

A long security fence, left, lines the street to Australia's parliament house in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008, ahead of the torch relay for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
A long security fence, left, lines the street to Australia's parliament house in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008, ahead of the torch relay for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.   (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Tibetan supporters light candles during a vigil ahead of the torch relay for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, outside the Chinese embassy in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008.
Tibetan supporters light candles during a vigil ahead of the torch relay for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, outside the Chinese embassy in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Australian Minister of Sport Kate Ellis speaks at a reception in celebration of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch relay at Parliament House, in Canberrra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008.
Australian Minister of Sport Kate Ellis speaks at a reception in celebration of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch relay at Parliament House, in Canberrra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mark Graham)
Tibetans and supporters march to the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008, to hold a candlelight vigil ahead of the torch relay for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Tibetans and supporters march to the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008, to hold a candlelight vigil ahead of the torch relay for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.   (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Tibetans and supporters gather outside the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008, to hold a candlelight vigil ahead of the torch relay for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Tibetans and supporters gather outside the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, April 23, 2008, to hold a candlelight vigil ahead of the torch relay for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.   (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
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