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Human rights groups say they will block torch relay
SEOUL, April 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean human rights groups said Thursday they will block the Olympic torch relay in protest at China's alleged human rights violations against Tibetans and North Korean defectors.
The torch for the 2008 Beijing Olympics is scheduled to reach South Korea on April 27 and be passed on to North Korea on the following day. It will arrive in Beijing in early May.
"We urge China, as a host of the Olympic Games, to abide by the common values of humankind and respect the human rights of the weak," said Christian Accountability for Society, Save North Korea and Helping Hands Korea in a joint press conference held in front of the World Peace Gate at Seoul's Olympic Park. "China must stop its forceful repatriation of North Korean refugees and its violent crackdown on Tibetan protestors.
The civic groups said they will gather again in front of the gate on Sunday morning to disrupt the torch run.
They added that some North Korean human rights groups are also planning on Sunday to blockade the bridges on the Han River, which runs through the heart of the city, in order to stop the torch bearer from crossing the river.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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