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Minor scuffles as Olympic torch travels through Australia

24/04/2008

A small number of arrests were made and police officers tussled with Chinese security guards as the Olympic torch made its way through Australia's capital Canberra today.

Over 500 police officers were positioned around the shortened route to prevent clashes between pro-Tibetan and Chinese supporters during the relay.

However, police were still forced to arrest five people after scuffles between the two sets of supporters and three others who ran out in front of the torch.

Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd had earlier warned against any kind of violent demonstration, saying: "What I can say loud and clear, if any protester irrespective of their political point of view engages in unruly, disruptive, violent, unlawful behaviour then the police will come down on them like a tonne of bricks.

"Peaceful protest, yes - violent protest, under no circumstances."

Organisers had been looking to avoid any repeat of the scenes experienced in London, Paris and San Francisco where pro-Tibetan demonstrators staged large-scale protests against China.

Demonstrators worldwide are using the torch's passage through 22 countries, from Athens to Beijing, as an opportunity to protest against China's human rights record and its handling of recent uprisings in Tibet.

Australia's government prior to the relay had warned that its police officers would be guarding the flame during today's relay, not the blue-suited Chinese security officials.

And on a number of occasions during the procession Australian police officers were forced to pull the Chinese guards out of the way.

The Olympic torch will now head to South Korea, Japan and Vietnam before making its way to Beijing for the opening ceremony on August 8th.