Torch relay abandoned in Paris

The 'Journey of Harmony' has been blighted once again by major protests in Paris. Before the torch had even left the Eiffel Tower a protester attempted to grab the torch from the bearer. Throughout the day officials were forced to extinguish the torch and continue the procession via the Olympic bus as protesters threatened to disrupt the procession. But after extinguishing the flame for the fourth time, Paris officials abandoned the planned route and forced the Olympic procession to be driven directly to the stadium where the finale was intended to be held.
Sky’s China correspondent Peter Sharp speculated that BOCOG would be “dismayed” by the events in Paris today. He said that there would be “huge loss of face for China” and that the events amounted to "a public relations disaster".

Many pro-Tibetan protesters will be happy that their action have once again impeded the movement of the Olympic torch, but there are thousands who have expressed anger and disappointment at their actions. Hundreds of Olympic supporters braved the cold and snow in London but were left frustrated as they saw only a torch hidden by security and police that led the procession through the streets. In Paris there were similar scenes as armies of CRS, the French riot police, were joined by a flotilla of riot vans which paraded through the narrow streets of the French capital. Several sports personalities have aired their anger that they, rather than the Chinese government are suffering the wrath of the demonstrators. Others have said that the protesters should also target the many multi-national companies that trade with China rather than sportsmen and women. Of course, if the West pulled out of China altogether there would be no cheap products in the shops, much desired by the hard strapped consumer.

Some of the torch bearers have also spoken of their fear of being shot in some of today’s papers. And it has been revealed that officials were close to calling a halt to yesterday’s procession. It continued only after police increased the security around the torch. The scenes that have been shown around the world may embarrass China, but they also embarrass the West. The pictures show how uncontrolled and irrational demonstrators behave. There were also pictures of the police, out of control and over zealous in attempting to maintain order. Some pro-Tibetan demonstrators broke through barriers and attacked police and Olympic supporters. There were instances of several attempting to grab the Olympic torch and another of letting off a fire extinguisher. The behaviour by some of the protesters today led the authorities to believe that continuing with the procession might have led to “someone being killed or seriously injured”.
Once again it is ‘mob rule’ that has affected the ‘rights’ of the law abiding citizen to go about their business. The issues over the treatment of Tibetans and Chinese rule in Tibet are contentious. But the protests and anger must be properly directed or it may itself be discredited by its ill thought through actions.

The history of Tibet is long and extremely complicated. There are also issues subject to dispute. China has claimed rule over Tibet since 1724 with interruptions due to invasions including that of the British which saw the slaughter of over a thousand Tibetans in 1903 [wikipedia]. There is general agreement amongst historians that many Tibetans were serfs prior to Chinese rule, and that although there are many issues with human rights and ill treatment of some Tibetans, there have been many improvements to the lives of many in the region. Though the Chinese authorities have been over zealous in dealing with protests, the riots that followed the arresting of some monks have destroyed countless properties and killed many Han Chinese. Ultimately the problems relating to the Tibetan people, and the region are an internal issue. As much as the Beijing government will be rattled at any boycott of the Olympic games, it will only be through dialogue that any changes will occur. The issues affecting Tibetans affect many Han Chinese also, and the country is changing slowly for the better. It may not however be fast enough for the West [Sky News / BBC / CNN]