China’s Troubled Torch Arrives in Australia

China’s Olympic torch faced a new wave of creative and media catching protests upon it’s arrival in Australia. Overnight the words “Don’t Torch Tibet” were beamed onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a national landmark, and this morning two Tibet activists were arrested for attempting to unfurl a banner on the bridge.

Click here to view Reuters coverage of the projection action.

One of the arrested bridge protesters, Kerryn, a 30-year old travel consultant was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald:

“I’ve traveled through Tibet and I’ve seen first hand the fact that there’s human rights abuses still going on within the country,” she said.

“I was stopped from talking to the Tibetan people in Lhasa for even the basic levels of communication.”

Meanwhile, four activist were arrested for protesting Coke’s sponsorship of the Olympic torch relay at Kings Cross, unfurling a large banner off a Coke billboard.

“Pro Tibet activists unfurled a huge banner over the Coca-Cola sign at Kings Cross today.

The red banner, designed to look like the Coca-Cola sign, said: “Enjoy Compassion. Always Tibet. CHINA – TALK TO THE DALA LAMA”

It was unfurled by four activists – three men and a woman – standing on a platform above Sydney’s iconic landmark about 4pm.

Once the banner was unfurled one of the activists shouted “free Tibet’ as some onlookers cheered.”

More protests are in store when the torch relay starts in Canberra tomorrow. China’s troubled torch has been dogged by Tibetans and supporters speaking out for truth and justice for Tibet as the torch has skipped across Asia. China’s “Journey of Harmony” hit a slight snag – the principles of democracy and freedom of speech in many of the host countries the torch has visited.