Tokyo Carries the Human Rights Torch

ANCHOR:
Human rights activists gather today to start the latest leg of "Global Human Rights Torch Relay" in Tokyo. Organisers say the relay is being held to condemn various human rights issues in China prior to the Beijing Olympics.

STORY:
Over a hundred human rights activists hold banners and march through the streets of Tokyo. The relay is to start the Japanese leg
of the "Global Human Rights Torch Relay". It is condemning the Chinese regime's crackdown in Tibet, the arrest of around 2000 Falun Gong followers as well as many other human rights issues.

Two women dressed up in ancient Greek costumes have brought out a burning torch and pass along the flame to the first torch bearer. The torch will be carried through six cities in Japan.

Hosted by Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong in China or CIPFG the activity is backed by various activist groups and city council members.

[Kanae Yamakawa, CIPFG Member]:
"Through this torch relay across six cities in Japan, I hope more Japanese will realize the human rights issues in China and take action."

Kan Ando, another member of the host organization commences the torch relay.

[Kan Ando, CIPFG Member]:
"This torch stands for those oppressed in China so it's very meaningful."

The human rights torch was lit in Athens on August 9 last year. Its journey is across six continents, 40 countries and an estimated 150 cities worldwide.

The relay has been carried through 36 nations so far. It will travel through Korea and Macau before its final destination to Hong Kong on July 20, 2008.

Category:

News & Politics

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• tokyo
• human
• rights
• torch
• activists
• global
• relay
• china
• beijing
• olympics