Police Prompted to Guard Olympic Torch
The Associated Press
March 28, 2008
CBNNews.com - ATHENS, Greece - Greek police are stepping up security during the Beijing Olympic torch relay over the weekend to prevent protesters from disrupting the event, officials said Friday.
The flame will reach the capital Saturday and spend the night on the Acropolis before being handed over on Sunday to Beijing 2008 organizers.
Greek officials kept details of the route's Athens leg under tight wraps Friday, fearing a repeat of protests by human rights campaigners and opponents of China's violent crackdown in Tibet that marred Monday's flame-lighting ceremony in Ancient Olympia. Officials said about 2,000 police would provide security.
On Saturday, runners will carry the torch to the village of Marathon, the starting point of the 26-mile race inspired by an ancient soldier's semi-legendary run to Athens to announce the Athenian victory over an invading Persian army in 490 B.C.
The Beijing flame will enter Athens in the afternoon. It will be handed over to Beijing 2008 officials on Sunday at the restored ancient stadium where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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