CNN's Eunice Yoon reports on Hong Kong torch relay
Thousands of people turned out in Hong Kong to watch the Olympic torch parade through the streets. Many people waved Chinese flags and cheered, significantly outnumbering small groups of protesters holding pro-Tibet or pro-democracy placards. More than 3,000 police were on duty for the eight-hour parade, the first stop on the torch's journey through China. Ahead of the relay, the authorities denied access to several activists intending to protest even though freedom of speech is protected in the territory by the Basic Law - the mini-constitution agreed before the end of British rule in 1997 [BBC]. About 100 democracy campaigners, who want the full suffrage promised to Hong Kong when Britain handed it back to China in 1997, were confronted by pro-China supporters in the street. The pro-China crowd yelled "Go home! Get out!" as dozens of police formed a cordon between the two groups. There was only one reported arrest as a protesters waved a Tibetan flag. But this was said to have been more to do with protecting he from pro-China crowds [Sky News].
The television coverage in the UK was muted primarily because of saturation coverage of local elections. However, CNN did cover the end of the relay cutting into Larry King Live as the torch was carried to the end of the route. Ahead of the relay some restrictions were imposed by authorities. Seven activists were deported including free speech activist Zhang Yu, who was flying in to take part in "World Press Freedom Day." Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot and two others were detained and deported on Saturday. Galschiot created "The Pillar of Shame," a sculpture in Hong Kong depicting 50 torn and twisted bodies to symbolize those who died in the 1989 Chinese crackdown at Beijing's Tiananmen Square.
Actress Mia Farrow was allowed into Hong Kong to raise awareness about the fighting in Sudan's Darfur region, where an estimated 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million others displaced. While she said she sympathized with Tibetans "on a personal level," her main concern was in pressuring China to use its commercial ties with Sudan to end its campaign in Darfur. She had earlier assured authorities she would not disrupt the proceedings.
The next stop for the torch is Macau after which it will be carried around Hainan and Guangdong.
Actress Mia Farrow was allowed into Hong Kong to raise awareness about the fighting in Sudan's Darfur region, where an estimated 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million others displaced. While she said she sympathized with Tibetans "on a personal level," her main concern was in pressuring China to use its commercial ties with Sudan to end its campaign in Darfur. She had earlier assured authorities she would not disrupt the proceedings.
The next stop for the torch is Macau after which it will be carried around Hainan and Guangdong.
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