24 April 2008
Chinese spectators attacked Tibet protesters in Canberra
(Reuters) Mobs of Chinese supporters were accused of assaulting pro-Tibet campaigners on the sidelines of the Olympic torch relay in Australia as scuffles broke out and at least seven protesters were arrested. There was little of the disruption that marred the torch relay in London or Paris, and the Olympic flame travelled uninterrupted through Canberra, the capital. But observers said that behind the barricades Chinese nationals assaulted Tibetan activists and tore down their flags. Confrontations between an estimated 15,000 China supporters and about 3,000 pro-Tibet demonstrators reportedly flared all along the 16km route as the groups held aloft opposing banners and shouted competing slogans.