I witnessed Chinese soldiers and police firing on a crowd of unarmed Tibeteans over 20 years ago in Lhasa (1st October 1987 if anyone would like to look it up). I had been travelling in other parts of Tibet (where, yes, I spoke to large numbers of Tibetans, mostly in Chinese, as I speak Mandarin not Tibetan, and not one who expressed a view - and most did- wanted the Chinese to continue to rule Tibet). I walked into the main square outside the Jokhang Temple and found myself having to dodge behind a large incense burner to avoid bullets as a young Tibetan only feet from me was shot in the head. Mysteriously, the next day all phones lines were down "because of a storm" and the bus I was booked on out of Lhasa was turned back. The authorities also denied anything had happened until the eyewitnesses' report had managed to make it past the lines and reach the world's media.
The Chinese oppression & violence in Tibet is real and those who deny it should open their eyes.

C Watts, London,

we need to look at china and learn, what happing to china with tibet can happen in the united states, have you seen the Absolut Vodka ad in mexico, showing the map of 1848 showing california, arizona and other U.S. states as mexican territory, talk about human rights what if all the millions of illegal mexican migrants and there descendants wanted to annex calif, arizona and other U.S. back to mexico, it would be a lot worst then tibet, it would not just be the military it would be all the american people doing most of the fighting, so stop crying about china, look in are own back yard, good luck to china with tibet, and good luck with the olympics, see not all americans are blind to the world,

Ron Phillips, Hemet, USA, Ca.

I hate those people committing violence in the name of 'peace' and 'freedom', especially disturbing the Olympic torch, very very disappointed in the europeans and the English (for 'considering boycotting').

Massacre? Killing? please.. find me ONE picture of a chinese army actually killing a tibetan during those riots. all of the pictures i've seen are either Nepal police (labeled chinese police by western media) or rioters killing innocent people.

George Tang, Rochester, US / NY

Hi folks

Let's forget human rights - No country has it
Let's forget freedom - Are you free?
Let's forget Tibet - Tibetans are already free.
Let's forget democracy - It is only good for the west.
Let's forget about the West - they can only see the sun set.

Let's give peace a chance OK!
Let's have One World One dream.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

From an American - I went to The British Museum expecting a delightful experience. When I asked the cabbie about all the police, he responded that the Olympic Torch was passing through. Double delight! When I came out of the Museum, it was not a protest, but a riot. The British police were pushed to the limit and did more than an excellent job. One said to me that he was "just doing his job." Kudos to him and them. They did an admirable job. I was almost knocked to the ground a few times and fortunately got out of it.

Our government will not boycott the Games because there's too much in it for them and I feel for those athletes who have spent their lives training for one glorious day. Mr. Bush is a disaster but perhaps he can exit with grace if he boycotts the Opening Ceremonies. Let us pray!

Jackie Kaiser, Brick, NJ, U

the great china is developing since there is still a long long way to go in many fields. Human rights and democracy are only an excuses for those who wanna topple down the country. yes, the situation of human rights and democracy are not good enough in China now, but dont be blind to the fact that it has been greatly improved since the foundation of PRC (1949). Anyway, they are not good excuses to split the country(Tibet is a part of china since thousands of years ago). To say the least to least, who do you think the best one to rule it Tibet? US, UK, or other authorities? you may say "Dala Lama", do you know what kind of society it was before its liberation by Communist? It was a feudal and slavery society, most of ppl are in serfage(Check it on internet). You are pushing them back to serfage if are supporting the Dala Lama. Well, Dont say we chinese ppl are educated by communist. Westen media are reporting so many fake news on Tibet issue, We are considering who are brainwashed

Gavin Kwo, Guangzhou, China

As I think that the west has a right to protest about Tibet, I think it's also time China start taking up issues in Europe and Americas that is swept under the carpet by western media. Iraqi occupation, Hawaiian independence, Puerto Rico independence, Corsica, Basque, Deigo Gracia, Guantanamo Bay, Cornwall etc.. I think China should not hold back and should start exerting it's re-discovered power and influence to start supporting these issues as well.

I think the people protesting on the streets of London and Paris are such hypocrites. I don't agree with China's methods of social engineering but I think they do try their best at managing a population of 1.1 billion. I don't think the UK, French or US government could manage as well as the Chinese. Look at the NHS or the state of the American health and economy as examples. Race is still a issue even with such advanced democracies.

Please remove the log in your own eye before pointing to the splinter on your neighbour's eye.

G Yeoh, Harrow, UK

I live in Bristol. The city centre is a no-go zone for me on Friday and Saturday evenings, it looks as if the streets were full with mentally ill people just escaped from a psychiatric asylum. The police are just looking on, where there is any of them.
In order to walk around safely, should I carry a torch? Please advise.

Helen, Bristol,

we should not support china for any reason for anything, the olympics should not be held in a country that treats people as they do. but when you have crooked government and greed this is what you get.

jean, harrison, usa

I spent some time in Dharamsala in the nineties and have read a lot about the history of Tibet. I know that I benefit from cheap Chinese technology and that if we are to save the environment I will need to give up much of this . I know also that the feudal society in Tibet was not some kind of paradise on Earth before the Chinese occupation. I also WORK for a living, Derek Clifton!

I attended the rally at Argyle Square yesterday and the protests in Greenwich and was surrounded by THOUSANDS of people like me, many with their families. These people were not ignorant of the complex history of this issue but were rather plainly aware of the fact that we MUST stand up and condemn the self aggrandising of a regime that to this day continues to torture and murder those that dare to challenge its authority, even if only on a spiritual level. I choose to believe this after seeing reports from many sources more trustworthy than the Chinese authorities. Free Tibet!

Ann Ryan, LONDON, UK

British yob culture, anyone? I actually recognise some of these professional protestor and eco-terrorist from previous events,

like the bloke called martin sth.

Lee, Bath, Somerset

To make irresponsible remarks is always easy and versatile for some "Protester". To clarify a truth is usually need carefulness. I'm a normal citizen and patriot criticizing government of China everyday and everywhere in China. I do also hate the force (be mainly supported ever by some intelligence organizations in the dark) dream and plan to split a country they do not like. So shame of lier on the news about Tibet in China. Shame of so-called "Protester". They are nothing but tools of others.

Leo Zhuang, Tianjin City, China

I think the prostest was 10% true pro tibet and 90% hooligans trying to cause chaos, this is not buddhism, this very activity undermines the teachings of buddhism. everyone who thinks they're helping tibet just stop, your violence is not helping, and is against what tibetans and buddhists believes in. can you not see tibet is being used as a political pawn between China and the west?

Gee, london,

Well done the Olympic Athletes.

Well done the protestors.

Time to accept the demise of the Olympic Ideals.

The Games can be brought back when the world is ready - again.

R Bingham, Lauzun, France

Good luck, Olympic.
Good luck, torch.

Julian, DongGuan, China

To those who are starry-eyed about the Olympics I would remind them that the latest poll of Londoners shows that London resents having to stage the 2012 jamboree. It is a few athletes mixed up with high finance seeking personal glory. Let them pay for it

It's high time the Olympics had a permanent home instead of wasting billions of pounds on this 4-yearly farce. How about Greece?

As for the protestors I am with them. The protest was not about the Olympics at all but about stripping the gloss of Olympic PR from the brutal oppression of a formerly free people.

christina Speight, london, uk

Old fashioned cold war style totalitarianism is the main problem with China. They have actually been talking about solving the Tibetan rebellion by applying marxist ideology. Apart from North Korea they must be the very last government to consider such a move. Marxist ideology is now firmly in the history books and it seems incredible that the Chinese Communist Party might still be taking this redundant ideology seriously. Full blown capitalism and old style marxism seem to sit together in China. The contradictions are astonishing, but on the other hand any device to maintain a regime seems to be acceptable. Democracy and free speech is the principal enemy of these redundant regime keepers. It will come to China one day and the whole hypocrisy will come tumbling down.

Colin, Carmarthen, UK

What about the Uighurs? I didn't see one east east Turkestan flag. Don't they have the same claim to independance as Tibet? Maybe they need to hire Max Clifford for their cause.

raymond, the norf, uk

Simon in Manchester remonstrates the demonstrators by quoting reasons why we'd be economically poor without China. Simon, the demonstators are not calling for China not to exist, so your argument is stunningly pointless.

julian, shrewsbury, uk

Congratutions to the protesters for showiing that the democratic spirit is not yet dead in London - and that the repression in Tibet and China can not, and will not, be supported by the people of London and the UK.

As for the pro Chinese supports on the street, I wonder how3 many of them where csrd carrying members of the Communist party?

Simon Albion, London, UK

Who were the robotic chinese men in blue and what was in their pouches and why did they flank the runners, apparently occasionally forcing up their arms to hold the torch higher?

helen, Norwich,

My son and his friend (ages 12 and 11) decided to make their own Free Tibet banners and stand peacefully on the approach to Tower Bridge. Just before the cavalcade came by they were deliberately surrounded by 1/2 dozen people waving large Chinese flags to obscure their homemade efforts. It was quite intimidating for them and I was glad that there was a policeman close by. The Chinese could have gone elsewhere on the road but it was clear that their goal was to cover up the boys' efforts. I was standing just behind and couldn't even see that it was Paula Radcliffe running with the torch.

Quite symbolic of the Chinese government's approach I thought.

Janet Cohen, London,

The Olympic Games are no longer simply about sport. They are now a political statement and a competition on which country can spend the most money in preparation. They are no longer a celebration of sporting prowess. The rot set in when professional sportsmen were admitted and the acquisition of medals became paramount. Then sports such as basketball, volleyball and synchronised swimming were introduced! Why football and tennis when we already have the many international events for these sports?

In my opinion, it is high time that the Olympic Games returned to their amateur status and that the sports were confined to those of the original games, running, jumping, throwing, sword play, wrestling and maybe swimming, ie, the original martial arts of Greece. Athens should be made the permanent home of the games (after all, they have a brand new stadium there and that's where it all began), financed by the IOC to which ALL participating countries would contribute, proportionally.

JoeMac, Dordogne, France

'It was a public relations nightmare for London'

Was it?

I would say such images show that London is not quite yet fully in the grip of anodyne corporate interests and spineless politicians. Is that so bad?

Matthew , London, UK

If you don't like China, speak out loud in a legal way but not a farce. Really ashame.

I was there yesterday, all I saw are the BRITISH free tibetans trying to show off, to be different and fashionable. I really doubt whether they could point Tibet on the map.

Charlie, Bedford, UK

My mobile phone was made in Finland, not China. The Chinese do however copy and counterfeit a great deal of technology, and manufacture it using grossly-underpaid workers, in order to export it.

Unless China changes its ways, it will always be the subject of criticism from the rest of the world for its failure to respect human dignity, life and freedom. This is why we show solidarity with the people of Tibet, occupied by a cruel foreign power, and savagely repressed whenever it tries to reclaim its freedom.

Mark Elton, Leeds,

I suppose we should be grateful that the Met Police didn't shoot the demonstrators!

Fothers, aylesbury,

How much do you know about what has happened in Tibet and what the Tibet people really think about the “difference” between them and the “Chinese”? As a tax payer and Chinese living in London, I feel a need to voice that the problem yesterday is partly caused by the fact that the media about the Tibet issue is clearly taking position on “Tibet” – too much positive news for a group of Tibetans who receives little attention from the Chinese government, but too little news for the same group of Tibetans who caused a serious trouble to Tibetans and Chinese in China. Who are the people who really want to divide “Tibet” from “Chinese” and for what a real good reason? Such a clear biased attitude against the Chinese will hurt the Chinese people as whole and thus produce hatred among the Chinese against the West. Have the Chinese “voiced” very ugly when there are various problems in this country? For example, people are too self-centred in this country. There are different systems...

Henry, London, UK

My son and his friend (age 12 and 11) decided that they wanted to make banners supporting Tibet and go to protest peacefully along the torch route. They were standing just before the approach to Tower Bridge. Just before the calvalcade came by, they were deliberately surrounded by a group of 1/2 dozen people waving large Chinese flags. It was quite intimidating for them, but luckily there was a policeman near by. The Chinese could have gone elsewhere along the street, but they chose to try to obscure the boys' homemade banners. I was standing behind and couldn't even see that it was Paula Radcliffe carrying the torch.

This seems typical of the Chinese government's approach -- trying to cover things up as much as possible.

This appears to me typical

Janet Cohen, London,

Frank - excellent comment,

As I currently live and work in Shanghai, China, I here these "tit for tat" comments on a daily basis, the Chinese needs to understand that the west have made many mistakes however this gives China no excuses to make the same mistakes that happened a 100 years + ago.

Another fact is that most of the chinese who believe they have a right to state these kind of comments have never left mainland China, have no idea of the standard of living in the west and how they evolved from their mistakes, and obviously do not understand the meaning of communist propaganda!

Wake up China your heading straight for world isolation, the west are being very lenient at present be will surly only tolerate so much...

Dean - Shanghai, Shanghai, China

China has the worst human rights record of any country in the world. In the last 50 years they have killed 80 million people. that is more than all the wars combined, and it was mostly their own people. To read a full account of the Chinese Communist Parties terror ridden reign, read the Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party!

http://ninecommentaries.com/

Communism is never going to be a democracy!

Patricia , san antonio, Tx

Lu Gao,

1902? 2008? - What kind of world are we living in?

Do we need to remind you that Chinese government care about nobody not even it's own people...Tiananmen Square Massaca?

Oh sorry I mean the Tiananmen Square Incident!

Dean - Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Sas, London, when you say "I would hate to lilve somewhere where you're told what to think, where choice is not an option, and individuality is suppressed. "maybe these people live in London too. It's not because they speak their mind out like you do that they certainly live abroad. I don't agree with you, does this mean I am not from London??

Alex, London, UK

The president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, has expressed concern over recent unrest in Tibet.
Horse bolted stable door comes to mind.Pathetic response from those who knew the human rights situation in Tibet.

john, shrewsbury, uk

Just because you've been to China and Tibet doesn't mean you are the China expert. Just as many Chinese have gone to Tibet and have possibly seen something very different to what you have. Who's to say whose right and whose wrong?

The west believes that the Chinese grew up with propaganda in their blood and they are brainwashed and therefore incapable of judging what's "right"; what about the western propaganda that the west grew up with through the cold war? Isn't it funny that a violent protest in Tibet that resulted in the loss of lives and damage to plenty of innocent Han Chinese and Muslims and other nationalities earned only sympathy in the west for the Tibetans who started the attacks and had to be controlled? Do you feel quite the same sympathy for the bombers who attacked London's tubes and buses 3 years ago? They believed in something too. They believed what they did was right.

Just because the Chinese government hasn't quite caught on the meaning of "PR" in the west.

Angelina, London,

The truth is that the Chinese simply do not understand what is meant by human rights and freedom of the press and freedom of expression. They are taught and believe that a benevolent government acts in the interest of the country and its people in all realms, and is and should be in control--of the press, of the judiciary, etc., and that if it abuses its power, it will not longer enjoy the protection of heaven and well be overthrown. It took us in the West a thousand years to develop our systems of separation of powers and individual rights.

The Chinese have to scapegoat someone for the current Tibetan uprisings, so they blame the Dalai Lama. As one of my Chinese friends said, "Even if he were dead, they would still blame the Dalai Lama, because that has always been the CPC's line."

Will the protests create more paranoia and nationalism in China? Yes, but as someone who has been many times to China and Tibet, I say that's the price for truth.

Alex, London,

Lu Gao from London - your message reminds me of kindergarten, but your statement appears to be in accordance with that of most Chinese posters here. There are lessons to be learnt from history. Britain having invaded Tibet in 1902 does still not legalize China's current activities in Tibet. Let's break his toys coz he broke mine?

We live in the 21st century and China has no right to justify its claims (let alone genocide) by reminding other nations of what they've done in the past. This is not just ignorant, it also prevents China from being taken seriously by the West. But isn't that what it so badly wants?

And yes, there are plenty of people in the West who have seen Tibet and the way China treats Tibetans. By the way, what are we supposed to see in China? What exactly ARE China's great achievements then? Being able to copy every single thing and idea that has been made by others already and selling them as you own? What about Human rights and freedom of speech?

Frank, Cape Town,

I was arrested outside Downing Street yesterday and I can confirm that the men in blue tracksuits are part of the Chinese Secret Police. They have been given authorization by our government to use whatever means necessary to protect the flame. This information comes from several high-ranking police officers.

Free Tibet

Timothy Webster, Plymouth, UK

Trust the British to introduce an (unintentional) element of comedy into a story as grim and important as this one. The sight of Z list celebrities who were intent on nothing but a bit of self promotion being tossed into a major political firestorm was a marvellous example of unintended consequences. Denise Van Outen versus the Dalai Lama - hehehe!

Shirley, London,

What a chicken Gordon Brown is! He simply does not have balls to make any serious decisions.

So is Chinese government. Simply let the torch rely killed by the protesters. In the end of days, it's people themselves going to suffer the consequences, not politicians or Dalai the Holy monk, who re-incarnates like the Dr. Who.

So are you, westerners. Vote with your own money, don't buy anything from China, don't talk to anyone from China, and donate all your money to African, Tibetan, and Darfur. Die for it. Don't just yell like chicken in front of camera.

So are we Chinese. Hundreds years of new-China movement fails to reveal the simple message: no westerner want a unified China, another super power with different beliefs. Muslims' today is our tomorrow!

Linan Wang, Manchester, England

China needs to realize that it's heavy-handed way with Tibet is going to hurt their economy way more than it thinks. Or maybe their not thinking, just bullying. Protests all around the world are going on and are going to keep going on through the games. People will not participate due to protest, people will not go to the Olympic games out of protest, and people will not watch the games on tv out of protest. China will lose millions. Why don't they just free tibet? No, they'd rather cut of their nose to spite their face. If this goes on I hope China does pay with loss of tourism and the respect of the world. Shame on the Chinese government!

Robin Castellanos, San Antonio, TX, USA

I offer my full support to the protesters and admire their actions.
Shame on the police who quite frankly looked ridculous riding along side the torch on their pushbikes.They were an embarrassment to the UK with their heavy handed tactics.

Simon, Nottingham, England

Yesterday, watching the news coverage of the protests, I was extremely proud of those who dared disrupt the status quo and dared not to let this farce continue. The Olympic ideals cannot be bandied around by a government who has no intention to give them the respect they deserve.

Having read some of the Chinese contributions here with incredulous disbelief, I ask one question: if so many of your people are happy and comfortable, what exactly is the problem with democracy? After all, all you have to do is vote the current government back in...

Free Person, West Midlands,

Isn't it condescending to assume that everyone there is brainwashed just because they don't share the same views as you? It's also hypocritical given the freedom of opinion issues you're protesting about.

Yes China has human rights problems, yes the media is not free. Well how many years did it take the UK to become a free democracy? And why assume that the Chinese want the same as you? We are a DEVELOPING country, that means there are going to be ISSUES with poverty, wealth gap, education and human rights. They were always therefore, it's just more visible because of the Olympics.

Change will not happen overnight, we're not a miracle country. By all means, boycott chinese goods, just bear in mind it'll impact the chinese poor the most, who do you think is going to lose their job and have no food? The government? It'll barely get scratched.

And no, I'm not brainwashed, I was born and raised here. I can access all the news I want.

Laura, London,

The Olympic Games are no longer simply about sport. They are now a political statement and a competition on which country can spend the most money in preparation. They are no longer a celebration of sporting prowess. The rot set in when professional sportsmen were admitted and the acquisition of medals became paramount. Then sports such as basketball, volleyball and synchronised swimming were introduced! Why football and tennis when we already have the many international events for these sports?

In my opinion, it is hight time that the Olympic Games returned to their amateur status and that the sports were confined to those of the original games, running, jumping, throwing, sword play, wrestling and maybe swimming, ie, the original martial arts of Greece. Athens should be made the permanent home of the games (after all, they have a brand new stadium there and that's where it all began), financed by the IOC to which ALL participating countries would contribute, proportionally.

JoeMac, Dordogne, France

<quote> Watching the BBC it was most illuminating to see British police officers being given, and obeying, orders from unknown men in blue tracksuits. Did they have entry visas.
</quote>

I have written to my MP to ask this question, also under whose control they were operating, whether they were armed, what their rules of engagement were and what would have happened had they caused injury or death to a British Citizen.

The presence of a Chinese goon squad on the streets of London seemingly being allowed to harrass and manhandle peaceful protestors while the police stand aside and let them, or worse, join in, has very significant implications for all of us.

Steve Rudd , Huddersfield , West Riding of Yorkshire

joe, Berwichshire, Scotland

B4 the unrest, foreigners were allowed into Tibet. The Chinese built a new rail to take you people comfortably into Tibet, to let you see the beautiful sights while you are on your way.

Someone and his backers just spoilt the peace and tranquility by creating 'peaceful protest' against Chinese rule. You just refused to believe it was not peaceful. You refused to accept the number of victims killed as given by the authorities but you like the figure as given by people in exile.

You refused to accept that there was a serious security situation in Tibet at the time. Now you are saying that China refused to allow foreign journalists in. What else will the west say? Well China has indicated that Foreign tourists will again be allowed in after May 1st.

Please go and see for your self first hand. Meanwhile please do not try anything else to spoil the opportunity OK.

Yes, do pray for all. I doubt the Tibetans really need you to pray for them.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

The truth you see is only as true as the media portrays it to be, have you heard from the other side of the story (China) yet?

It is becoming increasingly evident that the media is a powerful tool for political parties in manipulating the public view and discourse.

So instead of jumping into conclusion about what you have seen and heard, take an objective view on how thing really is like.

How hypocritical imposing your own set of moral standards upon others and yet promoting democracy. If the majority people in China are happy about how things are, I don't see any problem with their government. May it be communism or feudalism, if they are happy and an democracy is forced upon them, that is tyranny.

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Open your eyes, this is a claim and should not be taken as the whole truth.

SY, Cardiff,

Shame on the police, we are being criticised as fascists worldwide, freedom is something that we will have to fight soon here at home. UK should not support China in hosting the Olyimpics and the Olympics should be cancelled forever.
Shame on London.

Fernando, London, UK

A Bonacker.

People in China don't need to be emailed these stories. They can read them for themselves by going online, much like you do.

Chinese people are becoming increasingly fed-up with the West's interference in their internal matters. Most people have a fundamentally flawed understadning of the issues in Tibet and do not understand China either.

There is a huge wave of support for the Chinese government in the build up to the games that is primarily being generated by rampant misreporting in the West and the idiotic comments and actions of some brainwashed people in London.

Lets just remember what started all this. Tibetan people burning and beating to death Hui, Han and Tibetan residents in Lhasa. What do you expect the government to do? The PRC response was perfectly acceptable.

I also don't understand why so many people get so uppity about Tibet. It is an autonomous region in China, with devolved powers, headed by a Tibetan.

Mike Gow, Beijing, China

The government could have stopped them, because you now need government approval to protest. So why did they not stop the protest?
The only thing that suprised me is that people could be bothered to protest.

Mark, Yorkshire,

I am afraid that we in the West assume the problem in simplistic terms. Tibet was annexed in 1959 and it was becoming history. Tibetans precipitated this problem
by protesting in Tibet and know that the some White middleclass called the human right activists in the Westwould take it fiurther. We knew that this socalled human right activists did yesterday by deploying their 'snatch squads'

If we are serious about human rights in China, instead of tokenism, we should all burn our mobile telephones, our TVsets, DVD players and recorders, our clothes as these are all manufactured in China. Why are our human rights activits
not taking a lead by burning all their Chinese made products. That should signal a message to China. But they will not do this and indulge in the shaemeful behaviour we witnessed yesterday.

Gary Smith, LONDON,

Sport Cheats

China were given the Olympics with the promise that they would abide by the code laid out. They promised to have open access for the world's press and to improve their human rights record.

They cheated.

China knew that they had no intention of honouring their commitment. They bargained on blackmailing governments into accepting that it was a done deal - too late to fix now.

Shame on those posters who criticise the Tibetans for protesting. They are in the right and China in the wrong. China are the cheats. Cheats have no place at the Olympics.

Good luck to all Tibetans. Right thinking people everywhere are praying for your success. Appeasers like Gordon Brown will be the eventual losers - history tells us that.

joe, Berwichshire, Scotland

I was there at St Pauls, watching a constant wave of policemen coming and going, thinking "What the hell is going on?" The event was hijacked by politics and I felt bad to be part of it. I wish I were somewhere else. So wrong. I didn't even see the torch just the police wall to protect it. They should have stopped the relay. It is not a way to celebrate the Olympics :one scared runner surrounded by menacing looking policemen and women. That's not what they are about. Instead of conecting with event we were pushed out. What is going to happen in the Games? More protests? Athletes in jail for speaking out? I have a bad feeling about these games, and I am not alone for the looks of it.

lorena, London, uk

It's interesting that the Chinese 'having their say' on here are full of arrogance and self-posturing.... a scary look at things to come. You accuse the 'West' of being manipulated by media - yet the controls imposed on your 'informed' nation mean you only hear what your government deems suitable.

I would hate to lilve somewhere where you're told what to think, where choice is not an option, and individuality is suppressed.

Sas, London,

The message of the Olympics and the Totalitarian regime in China will always be at odds. Bearing this in mind, the scenes are no surprise - the surprise was the IOC awarding China the games in the first place considering its invasion of Tibet and appalling human rights record.

wendy, London,

"And for your information, today's Tibet issue is closely related to the 1902 invasion which was the first ever foreign influences in Tibet." Lu Gao

Really? So how come your Country demands control over Tibet citing historical rights? If you think the PRC is not "foreign" then your are deluded.

China must learn the errors of previous Imperialists, the British and Americans included, otherwise it will repeat those errors and injustices a BILLION times over. We have learnt many of our lessons - when will you?

Roger Thornhill, London, UK

My son and his friend (ages 12 and 11) decided to make their own Free Tibet banners and stand peacefully on the approach to Tower Bridge. Just before the cavalcade came by they were deliberately surrounded by 1/2 dozen people waving large Chinese flags to obscure their homemade efforts. It was quite intimidating for them and I was glad that there was a policeman close by. The Chinese could have gone elsewhere on the road but t was clear that their goal was to cover up the boys' efforts.

Quite symbolic of their government's approach I thought.

Janet Cohen, London,

"Whom the gods destroy, they first make mad."
BTW, to Les from Los Angeles, if someone sets fire to the houses,stores,schools,hospitals and cars, and attacks passerby and police with blocks and knives, what will you say?

Lee, Beijing, China

A few economic facts which the human rights protestors would like to think about:

--The mobile telephones they were using to get organised and sending thier people to snatch the torch are all made in China,hence they were able to get these devices cheap.

- Almost all our universities have sizeable Chinese students from main land China and Hongkong and without them the universities would be very short of funds, and some departments would have close.

- Almost all our entertainment electronic items are manufactured in China.

China is fast becoming an economic superpower. These human protestors may not care about it, but the majority of British do.
From what I could listen and see standing in the midst of these so called protestors was that some of them seem to have been professionals brought for the occassion. It is not as if the nation is raising against the China on the side of Tibets. The same mob I saw could be hired for Climate change protests& Iraq protests

Simon, Manchester,

The British people should feel proud that we have had the courage to stand up for civilised democratic values against a backdrop of violence and intimidation from a country which should never have even been a contender for the Olympic games, let alone a host. Let's hope the French can better us.

George, London, UK

I don't think the scenes were 'ugly'. I thought they were beautiful. Just as when the people of the East End stopped Moseley's mob from marching, or when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, or when Suffragettes chained themselves to railings.
Bravo to the brave protestors, shame on the British government for hosting a propaganda event for a murderous totalitarian regime.

Cece, London, UK

If you need a communist mob plus British police to protect the olympic flame and a symbol of unity then the olympics are dead.
You cannot blame the protestors as they are simply highlighting what is an unacceptable occupation of a nation. After all, it is our Government who send our boys to die for such causes, although when the occupier is bigger tan them, our Governments turn away like cowards!
It is the olympic committee who are to blame. YOu simply cannot give the olympics to a tyrant who's human rights record is one of th eworst in the world and whom occupies the nations of others! The IOC is shameful!

Matt, Naples, Italy

Thank you for all our supporters. You are not just supporting the Tibet cause, you are supporting Truth and Justice. A Huge thank you. :-)

Tenzin, London, UK

While I support the protest of the games in spirit, the actions of (some) protesters was terrible. What point are you making by trying to snatch the flame away from a little girl, or a para-olympian?

The games are about peace and solidarity amongst all nations, so while you may disagree with the games being held in China (as I do), leave the athletes alone. I am tired of "peaceful" protesters complaining about being man-handled. If I disagreed with what you were saying, and tried to tear down your banner, would you peacefully let me? If i disagreed with your politics and protested outside your home, would you let me? Having torch "bodyguards" is a shocking sight, however the behaviour of the crowd might have also wanted such heavy-handed tactics.

While I don´t think that China should hold these Olympics, I can see that having the worlds attention focus on them may force them to change.

Jason Gehrman, Brisbane , Australia

It's a pity that some people couldn't know about the issue correctly.

Roxy, Tianjin, China

congrats London!!!

I hope China gets the message in every country that sees the torch....

Tibet needs the autonomy it is promised....

Uday, Pune, India

We all remember the fuss when the games were staged in Russia; this lot are going to be the same with a load of scruffy work-avoiding lay-abouts, always campaigning against anything that excuses them from working for a living - with their nose-rings and other 'decorations'. Do they realise that nose-rings are fitted to pigs to stop them digging up soil - enough said!

Derek Clifton, Andover, Hampshire, England

Friends: If you support freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and an end to the violent oppression in Tibet, please take five minutes today to email news stories such as this one to strangers inside China. Oppose censorship by offering alternative news sources to people who are being lied to by their government. Simply google for email addresses ending in ".cn", associated with English speakers in China or businesses with English-language websites. (Or seek other sources for email addresses.) If only one or two news stories from outside the news blockade reaches the ears of thinking people in China, you will have helped end the cultural, environmental, and human devastation in Tibet!

A. Bonacker, east hampton, New York

I hope some wonderful person extingishes the flame as a tribute to all thoses who have been murdered in Tibet by the chinese army... China's games MUST go down in history as the MOST SHAMEFUL ever ..........................

paddy jacobs, bacchus marsh, victoria - Australia

First, Olympics>Just sport games. It carries one of the greatest spirits in the whole world.
Second, Dalai's clique is knitting a beautiful lie for westerners, by assuming a non-violence appearance.
There's possibility that such activities might turn into terrorism someday.
By then you shall see what those mobs are actually thinking.

Dex, New York,

Well done to all you protesters. To the ones who got arrested, I hope your minimum six month jail sentance was worth the commitment that you have shown. Of course you are already out. You were never really arrested. Good show for the cameras though.

Larry, Stratford,

I was at the protest opposite Downing Street yesterday and I was proud to be a part of it.

China pleged as part of its acceptance of the games to adhere to the 'Olympic Spirit' and introduce human rights. They have not only failed to do this, they are trying to suppress dissent and quash protest more strongly then ever. They continue to torture and kill purely to keep themselves in power. Why should we have welcomed their propoganda tool to London?

My only regret today is that this 'genocide games' torch remained alight.

Jonathon Day, ork, UK

These people are also the victims of Dalai Lama, they even don't know where Tibet is in the map, let alone what happened. WOW, I suggest Dalai start a new government in Britain since he is so popular in Britain with so many devout disciples. We can forgive these people since they are innocent and ignorant. And still welcome to China for the OG, hope you'll have the chance to find out how much we have achieved not just from biased BBC but from your own eyes.

Buffalo, Shanghai, China

The embarrassment for England was the Chinese bodygurards and police attacking protesters and all the people who carried the torch who have blood on their hands supporting chinese propaganda. Living in a country with questionable human rights it has been pleasing to see 2 athletes who were due to carry the torch in Bangkok refuse to do so since the attrocities in Tibet. Shame on Coe, Redgrave et al for justifying their actions yesterday...national heroes no more!

Neil, Bangkok, Thailand

Didn't Tessa Jowell really mean;"it would be wrong for Labour to be intimidated by the threat of protest"? Democracy New Labour style?

Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Britain is a free country, unlike China. Protests are supposed to be allowed. Therefore it is shocking that a dozen flown-in Chinese heavies have been allowed to manhandle British citizens on British streets, as they seek to 'protect' a passing flame.The Metropolitan Police should send them packing.

I feel proud that China is being called to account, in free countries, for its mistreatment of peoples (Tibetan and others) whom it claims as its own.

Peter Wong, Singapore,

I hope that the Chinese people are so grown and prudent enough as to run a peaceful torch relay in Beijing in 2012 when the Olympic Game is to be held in London.

M. Murakami, Tokyo, Japan

We all chinese like the game, but hate someone who wanna boycott or break the games,
that's the sound of chinse, maybe

Han Lijian, Beijing , China

if the torch bearer leaving Greece heading for China had turned left instead of right this event in London would never have occurred.

mikee, manchester, uk

Come on.
Let China have its Olympic Games in peace.
It is a great country with fantastic athletes.
Let the young athletes of the world have their day too.

Eugene Sherry, Sydney,

Torch relay in UK show the violence side of the exile Tibetans and their supporters. These guys need to face the reality that this is a sports event, not politics. The Chinese people are wholeheartedly supporters. Saying the Chinese people "are paid" to support the Olympics not only is an insult, but also a denial/refusal for the Tibetan supporters to face reality.

Tony Sum, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

The sight of Red army officers dressed as "athletes" to protect the torch speaks volumes about the disaster that these games have become. Rogge and company have no one to blame but themselves, as the upcoming Olympics have become a perverse political football to be kicked by every nut with a cause.

ingo baker, los angeles, california, usa

sounds like you really care about that Tibetian's freedom, right? I'm just wondering why did England invaded Tibet in 1902. Were you thinking about human rights while killing Tibetians 100 years ago? And for your information, today's Tibet issue is closely related to the 1902 invasion which was the first ever foreign influences in Tibet. So, before condemning China, think deeper about who's the root of evil in the first place.

Before criticis Chinese government, I'd like to ask a few questions:
1. Do you REALLY know China
2. Do you REALLY know Tibet
3. Do you REALLY know the history of England and Tibet?
4. Have you REALLY talked to a native Tibetian living IN Tibet? (not the ones from India)?

I don't really want to bring the history back to the table, but I felt the neccessity to let the pro-Tibet british people know "you are in no position of judging China with what your country did in 1902 and with your shallow understanding on this issue".

Lu Gao, London,

Here is the scenario:

1. The Tibet independence has made its messages loud and clear through the actions. Well done.
2. Majority of the Chinese nationals are feeling humiliated and angry about the protests and perceived media bias by the west, against a sincere goodwill to host a great Olympic
3. They will turn increasingly nationalistic, and demand the government to be more heavy handed in Tibet and hard line against west pressures. Ethnic tensions and conflicts between Tibetans and the rest of Chinese will intensify
4. The doors to dialogues between Dalai Lama and the Chinese government will be shut, maybe forever

Instead of seeking a solution, the pro-Tibet groups have chosen radical actions that are creating a much bigger problem - the Chinese nationalism. The may have won a few public relation points today, but will lose the heart and support of the most important stakeholder in their cause - the 1.3 billion Chinese people.

Geja, Toronto, Canada

Tom from Canada, you might take the time to follow the British press and realise that the majority of British people are and always have been against the Iraq war, hence the million strong protest in 2003 and the continued hatred of New Labour for taking us to war there.

We are not in glass houses. New Labour are. And they will pay the price when the electorate bring there house smashing down around them at the next election.

James, Edinburgh,

To Alan Marsh, "It was deeply offensive to see the Metropolitan Police acting as agents for Beijing - has Tiananmen Square been forgotten already? ", you will not forget something happened in ANOTHER country??? I am confused. More than it, maybe I will never forget Opium War, baz it happened in MY OWN country. I feel sick.

Lysino, Beijing, China

The Olympic flame was significantly dimmed by the heavy-handed Chinese blue-guards which speaks volume when the supposedly peaceful celebration, of athletic achievement and inclusiveness of all humankind, the torch should bring. This planned longest Olympic Torch relay in history aimed to window-dress China's positive image may just turn out to be the longest P-R nightmare in history.

My only wish is that may all future Olympic Torch relays be greeted and participated whole-heartedly by all people and countries with joy, smile, and celebration, granted without guards of any colours.

James Chou, Vancouver, Canada

great! let the protest go on in every corner of the world!

cty, zhejiang, China

Just wait 'til the torch get's to San Francisco! Sparks will surely fly!

Allen, San Jose, US

Madness induced by global warming.

Dwight Vandryver, Scholar Green, Cheshire, UK

Tom, I think you'll find that the same people who are protesting today against China's actions in Tibet turned out for similar but much bigger anti-Iraq War protests also held in London. So the glass house metaphor is a little unfair.

What really concerns me is that the police have the "right" to tell people how to dress and what their T-shirts can and cannot say. And the message "China Stop The Killing" is hardly an incitement or violence or inappropriate. I doubt even the Chinese police would do the same. You are clearly further down the road towards a police state in the UK than I had realized. I think you should be very, very concerned.

Billy Barnett, HK,

Today, the world watched London.

Londoners, once again, have shown the leadership to speak their minds in the loudest way possible on this moral issue.

Scotland Yard's behaviour was the only sore point of the day.

Greg Cote, Toronto, Canada

Konnie Huq said that "I believe in the Olympic values, the Olympic ideals... it's just unfortunate that China has such a terrible track record when it comes to human rights and they are the host nation." It's not unfortunate, the IOC gave China the games in full knowledge of the regime's record of oppression, and anyone carrying the torch is giving tacit support to the regime.

Faustino, Brisbane, Australia

The Middle Kingdom is a land of many minorities. We regard it as one country politically, but geographically and culturally it is several. China's former isolation served its masters well allowing almost total control of the population.

Watching the BBC it was most illuminating to see British police officers being given, and obeying, orders from unknown men in blue tracksuits. Did they have entry visas.

The British Government has historically not got a good record in negotiation with China. Excluding the sale of military, dual use and security equipment.
The way forward, is the way of Peace.

Jerry, Exeter,

It was deeply offensive to see the Metropolitan Police acting as agents for Beijing - has Tiananmen Square been forgotten already?

Clearly, trade deals (not the Olympic sideshow) speak louder than protests.

Alan Marsh, Ely,

The Chinese must realise their oppression in Tibet is not acceptable.

Blake Rooks, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

Let me get this straight. The people of the UK are protesting China hold the Olympics because China invaded and occupied Tibet. According to the Tibetan govenment-in-exile, as many as 150 people may have died in the latest round of protests. At the same time, the City of London will be hosting the Olympics in 2012 after having been awarded the games in 2005. This was two years after the UK invaded Iraq for reasons which are not completely clear even five years later. No one knows how many Iraqis have died, because the invading forces do not keep track of them. The numbers run from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands dead with refugee numbers into the millions. Perhaps people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

Tom Quiggin , Ottawa,

Which official statement proclaimed that the torch relay was "meant as an illustration of China’s growing economic and political power"? Surely all Olympic torch relays, however long or short are demonstrations of the values of global unity, sportsmanship and the brotherhood of man?

Gillian Gemmell, London, UK

At least the British don't shoot the protesters.

Les, Los Angeles, USA,

Well done to the Tibetan protestors, you managed to get a strong message across, China can not be allowed to continue repressing Tibetans who have had many of their rights taken away from them and are having their identity wiped out.

The Torch Run is a sport event, but a golden opportunity to show China just how much people care, that is more important than the right of a few individuals to compete in a competition, even the olympics.

What those Chinese torch guards were up to was just hilarious, they have no right using force in this country and should not have been seen as a security team, they should not have been there and have made China look even more controling.

What right do China have to stop Athletes speaking out against it, none, this alone is reason to boycott the games. Well done to those torch bearers who declined.

Simon Waller, Cardiff, UK

It's disgusting for our country to be championing the cause of China's might by supressing the overwhelming majority of voices condemning their human rights record. For a start China which pledged to improve its human rights record and give people more freedom of expression before the olympics is nowhere near & infact has moved away from its previous position by tackling unrest in Tibet with such a heavy hand. It's a shame all these so called celebrities & athletes who are past their prime trying to shine in the limelight for a few minutes chose to do something that their fellow countrymen find absolutely revolting. Saying olympics is just a sport is like saying football is just a game. It is an ackowledgement of recognising talent from across the globe to gather at a place to showcase their prowess in their respective field. That this place should be a country which doesn't give freedom to its own people & treats them as lessor human is deplorable to say the least.

Sebastian, London, Britain

PLease publlish the Dalai Lama's own statement. Buddhists and those of many traditions arond the world need to hear his message of compassion and non-violence.

Lesley Grant, San Anselmo, USA

We have the freedom to protest in this country and this is what we did today. Even as the heavily guarded torch progressed through the London street, the Chinese authorities have Tibet under lock down because Tibetans, determined to resist the Chinese occupation, have risen up and protested. Why? Because the deluded authorities insist that they denounce their leader and swear allegiance to the Chinese State - their occupiers for the last 50 years. The world has to ask why Tibetans continue to resist and to protest when they know the heinous consequences of their actions. Tibet is not and never willbe part of China.That is why they risk their lives. Let's hope that as China opens up and Chinese begin to travel around the free world they will come to have an understanding of the history of Tibet and their governments brutal occupation of this country. If the free world really wants China to be full partner in the modern world they it has to stand up to their bullying in Tibet.

S Byrne, London, UK