Protestors Unfurl Pro-Tibet Banner Near Olympics Venue

Washington Post Foreign Service Wednesday, August 6, 2008; 5:41 AM BEIJING, Aug. 6 -- Two American and two British protesters slipped through a smothering Olympic security net Wednesday, climbed a pair of lamp posts and unfurled banners demanding freedom for Tibet near the new national stadium where the Beijing Games are to open Friday night. The showy protest, which took place shortly before the final leg of the Olympic Torch Relay set out from Tiananmen Square to the cheers of bused-in crowds, constituted a substantial embarrassment for Chinese security forces, who have vowed to prevent political demonstrations by foreigners as well as Chinese during the games. The four were led away by police but not arrested, according to Chinese authorities. Although it lasted only a short time, the stunt illustrated the challenge facing... [read full story]