Thousands of pro-Tibet supporters have promised to hold a peaceful rally during Thursday’s torch relay in Canberra, but thousands of Chinese students were also expected to rally to support China.
Media reports said the Chinese embassy had hired 20 buses to bring supporters from Sydney and the southern city of Melbourne, an eight-hour drive from Canberra, to counter protesters.
“We’re in a democratic country. If people want to protest, that’s a matter for them, as long as they do it peacefully,” International Olympic spokesman Kevin Gosper told Reuters after watching the Olympic torch arrive.
IHT | Link
