29 April 2008
Nepal deports US Everest climber for Tibet banner
(Reuters) Nepal deported a US national and banned him from climbing in the country for two years, after he was found carrying a "pro-Tibet banner" on an expedition to the Everest, an official said. Security forces frisking mountaineers at the Everest base camp found the banner in one of the bags of William Brant Holland. It was not clear what the banner said. Nepal has restricted access to Mount Everest between 01 and 10 May and posted armed soldiers to discourage protests against the Olympics torch when it is taken to the summit by Chinese authorities.