In advance of the Olympics, China has stepped up its campaign to crack down on various "dissident" groups, as a measure to prevent protests during the Olympics.
To date China has failed to live up to the principles stated in the Olympic Charter: "The Olympics seeks to create a way of life based on respect for universal fundamental ethical principles with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity."
The Human Rights Torch Relay (HRTR) will arrive in Manhattan on Sunday April 13. A symbolic torch lighting ceremony will take place in the upper west side, followed by an over-3-mile run to Union Square. A welcoming ceremony in Union Square will begin upon the runners' arrival (anticipated to be around 11am) followed by an all-day rally featuring speakers and musicians.
Speakers and musicians from the Greater Tri-States area will represent groups currently being persecuted within China and by the Chinese regime around the world: Burmese, Christians, Darfur, Falun Gong, Tibetans, Uyghur Muslims, and democracy advocates.
Background: The HRTR, under the banner of "The Olympics and Crimes Against Humanity Cannot Coexist in China", started in August 2007 in Greece and has shone its spotlight throughout Europe, Great Britain, Africa, Israel, Australia, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and South America. It arrived in the US on March 30th and will travel across the nation until mid-May. Its participants include concerned individuals, church leaders, government officials, civic and professional groups, as well as non-profit organizations committed to universal human rights.
The following communities in New York: Manhattan (April 13th), Albany (April 30th), Brooklyn (May 1st) and White Plains (May 3rd) will also be hosting Human Rights Torch Relays.
|
