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Delirious Throngs Greet Torch in Beijing

But Yank, Brit protesters busted for 'Free Tibet' banner

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 6, 2008 3:24 AM CDT

(Newser) – After a beleaguered relay dogged by Tibet protesters in many of its legs around the world, the Olympic flame finally reached Beijing today. Ecstatic crowds under smog-choked skies shouted "Go Olympics, go Beijing" to greet torchbearers in Tiananmen Square, with Chinese basketball sensation Yao Ming holding the torch above "a sea of beaming faces," Reuters reports. Four British and American protesters who unfurled a giant "Free Tibet" banner near the main stadium were quickly arrested.



Runners pass the Olympic flame in front of the portrait of late communist leader Mao Zedong on Beijing's Tiananmen Gate.
Runners pass the Olympic flame in front of the portrait of late communist leader Mao Zedong on Beijing's Tiananmen Gate.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
Chaos struck the Olympic torch relay through Paris, with security officials extinguishing the flame three times amid raucous protests.
Chaos struck the Olympic torch relay through Paris, with security officials extinguishing the flame three times amid raucous protests.   (AP Photo/Patrick Kovarik, pool)
Olympics official Hein Verbruggen carries the Olympic torch in Beijing's Tiananmen square as crowds roar approval.
Olympics official Hein Verbruggen carries the Olympic torch in Beijing's Tiananmen square as crowds roar approval.   (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
A runner carries the Olympic flame through Tiananmen Square during the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Beijing today.
A runner carries the Olympic flame through Tiananmen Square during the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Beijing today.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
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