5 Americans arrested for protesting in Beijing; IOC unhappy

In their latest confrontation with pro-Tibetan protesters during the Olympics, Chinese authorities arrested five Americans on Tuesday after they spelled out “Free Tibet” with blue L.E.D. lights near the National Stadium. Three other people, including a New York artist who fashions giant displays with lasers on buildings, were detained for a separate protest.

Representatives of the group Students for a Free Tibet, which organized both protests, said they had yet to hear from those who had been detained. “We’re always worried when someone is in Chinese detention,” said Lhadon Tethong, the executive director of the group.

Since Aug. 8, members of the organization have staged seven protests involving 37 people. All of those who were detained were promptly deported.

China's promises to tolerate peaceful protests during the Beijing Olympics are coming into question over news that all applications to demonstrate have been quashed and some applicants are being punished.

A growing rift was evident between Beijing Games organizers and the International Olympic Committee as a news conference Wednesday turned tense with questions about China's failure to approve dozens of protest requests.

In July, Chinese authorities said protests would be allowed in three city parks far from Games venues, a concession apparently aimed at mitigating criticism and avoiding disruption of the games.

Applications must be filed five days in advance and protests must not harm "national, social and collective interests." Authorities are supposed to respond at least 48 hours before the rally's planned time.

On Monday, state media revealed that authorities had not approved any of 77 applications they received from 149 people.

The official Xinhua news agency said 74 of the applications were withdrawn after officials addressed the complainants' problems, two were suspended for not providing sufficient information and one was rejected because it violated anti-demonstration laws.