Review of global tour of Olympic torch relay

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-30-2008 13:56

The global tour of the Olympic torch relay has concluded successfully. During its journey, some secessionists supporting Tibet Independence tried to disrupt the relay. These activities have been criticized and called a tarnish on the Olympic spirit.

At the Ancient Olympia archaeological site, a High Priestess ignited the Olympic torch marking the start of the global torch relay.

At the Ancient Olympia archaeological site, a High Priestess ignited the Olympic torch marking the start of the global torch relay.

Tibet Independence secessionists tried several times to disrupt the torch relay in Greece which took place from March 24th to 29th. They lay down on roads to block its path forcing the authorities to change the route three times. These activities were organized by the secessionists aiming to disrupt the Beijing Olympics.

On April 7th, the torch relay was held in London. The secessionists again tried to disrupt the event and even tried to extinguish the flame. Famous TV host Konnie Huq was running with the torch, when secessionists tried to grab it, and the torch bearer was slightly hurt. And later, several secessionists tried to disrupt the relay again. But London police stopped them all and arrested some leading secessionists.

In Paris, on April 8th, the disruptive activities became more violent.

In Paris, on April 8th, the disruptive activities became more violent. The secessionists started the disruptions at the start of the relay in the city. They even tried to grab the torch from disabled athletes. Chinese athlete Jin Jing was one of them. And secessionists attacked her repeatedly. When their attacks were stopped by police, they tried to attack her again from another side and violently grabbed her hair. Jin Jing sat in her wheelchair, and used her body to protect the flame.