Olympic Games

Olympic torch relay cancelled in Paris

Article published on the 2008-04-07 Latest update 2008-04-07 16:48 TU

Anti-Chinese protests continue to accompany the Olympic torch relay as it makes its way to Beijing ahead of the summer's Olympic Games. Protesters dogged the relay in Paris, eventually forcing organisers to extinguish the flame and finish the planned route abord a bus.

Stéphane Diagana, world 400 metres hurdles champion carries the Olympic torch from the Eiffel Tower
(Photo : AFP)

The first clash between police and demonstrators came as French athlete, Stephane Diagana, had carried the torch just 200 metres from the Eiffel Tower. The scuffles caused the torch to be extinguished and re-lit before it carried on the planned 28 km route.

Some protestors managed to break through the strict security and climb inside the Eiffel Tower to unfurl an Olympic flag with the 5 rings replaced by handcuffs. They then chained themselves to the monument.

Similar demonstrations broke out in the British capital, London, on Sunday where protestors tried to snatch and extinguish the flame in protests China has condemned as 'vile'.

Earlier in Beijing, International Olympic Committee president, Jacques Rogge, spoke out over recent unrest in Tibet. He called for 'a rapid, peaceful resolution of Tibet'.

 He also condemned the protests saying violence is not compatible with the values of the torch relay or the Olympic Games.

Today's relay through Paris saw a huge security operation with thousands of extra police drafted in to protect the flame-carriers.

The torch was lit in Olympia, Greece, last week and will go through 20 countries before arriving at the opening ceremony in Beijing on the 8th August.