BBC - 1Xtra News - Should the UK boycott the Olympics?


	Last updated: Wednesday 16 Apr 2008	1XTRA NEWS: THE REAL TALK OF THE STREETS

Beijing: Should UK boycott?

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The 2008 Olympic torch ceremony was supposed to be a symbol of harmony in sport across the world but the London leg of the tour ended in 37 arrests. Why?

Torch bearers like Theo Walcott and Dame Kelly Holmes had to jog surrounded by hundreds of policemen to protect them from protestors.

One man even tried to snatch the torch from tv presenter Konnie Huq but was wrestled to the ground.

The demonstrators are against what they describe as human rights violations in tibet by the Olympic host nation, China.

Should the UK boycott the Olympics? How do you feel after seeing the chaotic scenes when the torch was carried through London? Do politics mix with sport?

Richard Hale
Yes we should, China needs to let the UN into Tibet before it is to late. To many Tibetens have been killed and tortured for stupid reasons. The Chinese Government lies to it's people and stands as a bully to Tibetans. The Olympic Games is uncovering their blanket of shame to the world. Well done to London, France and San Fran for practicing Freedom of Speech. I was at the protest against the touch in London.

Lee
There are other ways to protest efficiently and successfully. Destroying the spirit of the ceremony is just childish and uncalled for. Protestors shouldnt influence the flow of the ceremony although they are allow their views been expressed. You dont see people blocking road, burning cars just for their views been heard. So why should any protestors destroy the spirit of the game by extinguish the fire? This is an act of terrorism and runners are terrorised due to the saftey concerns.

Ahmed
To boycott the olympics is a stupid action.

Jordan999
We should support the great Olympics!It is only a sports meeting,without politics!I love China!I love Beijing! I love the olympics!I love a peaceful world!

kevinning51
don't think that it is wrong to mix sport politics?and we chinese have done so much ,is there any reason to boycott it?London is to held it four years later,and you cannot image what would happen if UK decide to boycott BeiJing games.What's more, most of you havn't being to china and let alone Tibet.stop making chaos and go here and find the truth with your own eyes,please!And that's the only way to know the truth.

Billy
China are killing people. China censors their own people. China stops Tibetans from living their lives. Calling it 'human rights abuses' makes it sound like a joke - it's not!The protestors were right - and our government should be with them. A boycot might not do much, but condemning China and its actions would be a start!

Rigzin Latoe
Nothing is going to happen in 2012 Olympic, if British have nothing likes Chinese to hide. But British should tell the world truth about Tibet by not siding with Bloody hands of People's Republic of China. Did British soldiers see any Chinese soldier in Tibet in 1903-4 when the British colonials tried to occupy Tibet. Did the British Govt. sign a treaty for Tibet with Chinese Government in Lhasa. NO. No no. It is high time British Govnt tell the whole truth and apologize the Tibetans. Otherwise I don't know. I love BBC.

O
I understand the need for the Olympics, but isn't free more important? I would think so.

Dominic B
We should, because what china is doing to tibet and darfu is something that olympics does not reprasent what china is doing to humanbeings, therefor they shouldn't have the postive attention and glory of hosting the olympics.

Dayle
If this is happening now i wonder what its gonna be like in 2012 when we host the olympics, somethings gotta change

sarah
no we shouldnt boycott the olympics, my boyfriend and his teammates have worked so hard for many years to get a place for the olympics, its about being an individual for the sport you love!