SAN FRANCISCO – Protesters have just lit the Tibetan freedom torch in an emotional ceremony at U.N. plaza in downtown San Francisco and are calling for nonviolent protests of the Olympic torch.
A large Tibetan flag is behind the stage, while many others are waving smaller flags in the crowd. Several members of the crowd started crying during the singing of the Tibetan national anthem, which is forbidden in China. Fifty white doves were released as part of the ceremony before the lighting of the freedom torch.
San Francisco supervisor Chris Daly helped light the freedom torch and promised citizens will greet the Olympic torch tomorrow “in a nonviolent yet most militant way.”
A Tibetan organizer says protesters must be peaceful and should not disrupt the Olympic torch relay.
