SF braced for anti-Chinese protests

Jacques Rogge has condemned the violence that has marred the procession of the torch relay as it makes its way around the world. Several other members of the IOC have also expressed their concern that some demonstrators have disrupted the relay. And Kevin Rudd, the Australian Prime Minister, said he opposed a boycott of the Beijing Olympics during a visit to China today [Al Jazeera]. Besides high profile support of the games, protests are continuing as the Olympic torch arrives in San Francisco where thousands are raising their voice in support of Tibetans who they see as being victimized in China.

According to Chinese authorities 953 people have been arrested since the March 14th riots in Tibet. The Chinese government say 19 people were killed in the riots, but dispute the claims that up to 100 Tibetans were killed by police. Chinese media say that the area has ‘returned to normal’ besides there being over $40 million worth of damage caused in the uprising by what it calls Tibetan separatists instigated by the Dalai clique. China also said that it has paid out compensation to many who lost possessions and family in the riots. Nonetheless the Sita Deputy Head has said they are willing to have talks with the Dalai Lama “if he is sincere” but added he must stop disruption of the torch relay and condemn the violence.

Today domestic and International media visited a Tibetan monastery in Gansu province. Reuters TV were included in the visit which was disrupted by Tibetan monks from the Labrang monastery demanding independence according to a report on CCTV-9. However Al Jazeera quoted one of the monks as saying, "The Dalai Lama has to come back to Tibet. We are not asking for Tibetan independence, we are just asking for human rights, we have no human rights now." The monk spoke in mandarin Chinese and told the assembled journalists that monks were still being held by authorities and that armed plainclothes agents were stationed throughout Xiahe.

Unaware of the latest reports from the region the Australian Prime Minister called on the Chinese authorities to address the concerns of the international community. "Australia, like most other countries, recognises Chinese sovereignty over Tibet but we also believe it is necessary to recognise there are significant human rights problems in Tibet," Rudd told Peking University students in Mandarin on Wednesday. "We recognise the need for all parties to avoid violence and find a solution through dialogue.”

In the US meanwhile, authorities are preparing for massive demonstrations as the torch prepares to make its way through San Francisco later on Wednesday. Chinese people around the world have reacted angrily to the protests with many calling them outrageous [CCTV / BBC / Sky News / CNN]