Hong Kong prepares for torch tour

by amyjudd | May 1, 2008 at 04:50 pm | 265 views | add comment | 0 recommendations

Hong Kong has denied access to some activists planning protests during the upcoming Olympic torch relay. They want to make sure their relay goes smoothly and does not encounter some of the problems from the previous country's relays.

The actress and campaigner, Mia Farrow, was allowed in, but others have reportedly been refused entry.

Ms Farrow is due to make a speech on Friday calling on China to do more to end the conflict in Darfur.

Those barred from entry to Hong Kong were thought to be campaigners for the Free Tibet movement.

Three members of the Students for a Free Tibet campaign told journalists they had been put on a flight from the Special Administrative Region of China earlier this week.

The group's Executive Director, Lhadon Tethong said in a webcast: "Tibetans will do everything in their power to protest during the torch relay."

Red pride

But thousands of Hong Kong citizens and visitors from the mainland are expected to line the route of the relay through the former British colony.

People were being encouraged to wear red to show their support for the torch and for China.

During the relay, the torch will pass by the Olympic Equestrian Centre.

After Hong Kong, the torch will go through more than 100 more towns and cities in China before ending up at the Olympic stadium in Beijing on 8 August for the start of the Olympic Games.