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Chinese guards will be human shields for torch: organisers
Chinese guards will be human shields for torch: organisers
Posted Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:11pm AEST
Updated Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:32pm AEST
Olympic torch relay organiser Ted Quinlan
Torch Relay Committee head Ted Quinlan says Chinese personnel will not be involved in crowd control (ABC News)
* Video: AOC prepares for torchbearer exodus (ABC News)
* Audio: Torch relay organiser discusses concerns (PM)
* Audio: Canberra assured of calm ahead of torch relay (PM)
* Map: Canberra 2600
* Related Story: Torch travels through heavily-guarded Jakarta
Australian torch relay organisers say Chinese flame attendants due to follow the torch's route in Canberra tomorrrow will guard the torch with their bodies if it is threatened, but will not be involved in crowd control.
China's ambassador to Australia has told Channel Nine the Chinese officials will encircle the torch if it is attacked.
Torch Relay Committee head Ted Quinlan said normal security work on the relay would be left to the Australian Federal Police and the Chinese guards will not be involved in crowd control.
"I'm sure as the ambassador pointed out, they will put their shoulder between anyone who wants to attack the torch and the torch itself," he said.
"I don't see that as being some security role, I see that as just getting out of there and getting out of there the safest way."
The role of the Chinese guards caused controversy on the European legs of the relay, with London's 2012 Olympics boss Seb Coe calling them thugs.
Meanwhile Australian Olympic official Kevan Gosper says he does not expect a wave of torchbearers pulling out of the Canberra leg of the torch relay.
This week ACT Australian of the Year Lin Hatfield-Dodds became the first torchbearer to withdraw from the relay because of political reasons.
Mr Gosper says he questions why she left it so late to give up her spot, but it was her right to do so.
"At the moment she made a sensible comment, we understand her position," he said.
"It's her right to withdraw, but I'd be very surprised if it unzippered others who are taking part."
Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson says he would support anyone who chose to pull out of Thursday's relay.
Dr Nelson says he supports Ms Hatfield Dodds' decision.
"It is a democracy here in our country and I think whatever our attitude toward the reasons behind some of the protests we should respect the decision that is being made by her," he said.
"If it is also made by others it ought to be the subject of respect and not condemnation."
what human shield?? it is compromise of these organiser with those invisible hand and bunch of nuts stirred up by them.
interesting?? torch guard is not armed... anyway... |
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