In pictures: Paris torch protests

The Olympic flame arrived in Paris on Monday, a day after the torch relay was targeted by pro-Tibet protesters in London.

A number of China supporters turned out to watch as the torch passed through the streets of the French capital.

However, the relay was also dogged by anti-Chinese protesters keen to speak out against China's recent security crackdown in Tibet.

Trouble began when security guards had to tackle a man identified as a Green Party activist as he tried to reach torchbearer and 400-metres hurdles world champion Stephane Diagana at the Eiffel Tower.

On the tower itself, protesters unfurled a huge banner criticising China's human rights record and depicting the Olympic rings as handcuffs.

On the streets the torchbearers were repeatedly targeted by demonstrators.

Some 3,000 police officers, including riot police, had been deployed to protect the flame - saying it would be guarded as if it were a visiting head of state for the duration of the journey.

But despite the massive security presence, the organisers were forced to extinguish the flame three times along the route.

On each occasion the torch was returned to the safety of the Olympic bus to continue its journey.

In the end the unrest was of such a degree that the authorities cancelled a special torch ceremony which had been due to take place at the City Hall.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Next