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May 16, 2008 5:58:26 AM CDT

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Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong  

Posted May 2, 08 5:18 AM CDT in Sports,  World    Most Covered

(newser) – Thousands of people waving the Chinese flag cheered the Olympic torch on its relay through Hong Kong, shouting down scattered Tibetan protesters in their midst, the BBC reports. There were a few scuffles as the torch wound its way through the streets in the first leg of the torch relay to take place on Chinese soil.

Eight activists brandishing a Tibetan flag were briefly detained and told it was for their own safety. "It was a very dirty trick," one told Reuters. "I think it was a political decision to remove us."

Sources BBC, Reuters

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Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong
A pro-democracy protester is stopped by police while attempting to get closer to the Olympic torch during the torch relay in Hong Kong Friday, May 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)
Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong
A banner which reads "Release Hu Jia" is hung down from Chung King Mansion as a torch bearer passes by during the Olympic torch relay in Hong Kong Friday, May 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bobby Yip, POOL)
Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong
Torch relay runner, Hong Kong actor Andy Lau runs past crowds as he is surrounded by security personnel and police officers during the Olympic torch relay in Hong Kong Friday, May 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong
Various protestors march as the Olympic torch passes thorough Hong Kong Friday, May 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mike Clarke, POOL)
Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong
Crowds gather by Hong Kong's harborfront to watch the Olympic torch relay.   (Newser)
Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong
People wave Chinese national flags as they wait to watch the Olympic torch relay in a downtown street in Hong Kong Friday, May 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong
A China supporter argues with pro-democracy protesters at the torch relay ceremony in Hong Kong Friday, May 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
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Pro-democracy protesters getting shouted down by a crowds of pro-China counter protestors on Nathan Road in Hong Kong.   (xiaoka)

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China  • 2008 Beijing Olympics  • Olympic torch  • Olympic protests  • Hong Kong  • torch relay


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