Torch Relay Event News:

Kingston (Canada): [Video] MPP Welcomes HRTR On Behalf of Government
Detroit: Metro group protests Chinese human rights policies
Miami: Torch relay focuses on China’s human rights record
Winnipeg: Winnipeg welcomes Human Rights Torch
Halifax: [Video] Human Rights Torch Arrives in Canada

Statement regarding the Sichuan earthquake

To the people of Sichuan and their families: We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims of the devastating Sichuan earthquake, and their families, and our sincere hope that recovery occur as quickly as possible. Our thoughts are with you in this tragic time. -The volunteers and participants of the Human Rights Torch Relay

Graft and shoddy building blamed as China quake toll rises

Builders and local officials in China’s earthquake-shattered Sichuan province have been accused of corruption and dodgy construction practices as the grim task of retrieving thousands of trapped bodies continues. Related: Rattled by quake, Chinese seek overlooked omens >

Escaped Tibetan rioter tells of Chinese repression

Before fleeing across a mountainous border, Kusang Sonam says he hid for 12 days from Chinese forces searching for Tibetans who rioted against Beijing's rule in the Himalayan region. "I knew I would be dead if they had caught me," the 38-year-old clothes trader and father-of-one said. more...

China's crisis to solve

The UN's "responsibility to protect" should be used to push Beijing into action over Burma's desperate plight. Related: China reluctant to prod Myanmar over aid >

Video: Human Rights Torch Relay Worldwide >

The Human Rights Torch Relay (HRTR) is a global grassroots campaign to raise awareness prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympics of the Chinese communist regime's human rights crimes, providing a platform for all persecuted groups to speak. The HRTR strongly condemns the arrest of 1878 Falun Gong followers since January 1st 2008; Chinese regime's ruthless crackdown in Tibet; support of corrupt regimes in Burma and Darfur; and persecution of Christians, lawyers, reporters and all who have effectively become "prisoners of the Olympics" as a consequence of China's pre-Olympics whitewash.

The Tibetan, Burmese, and Vietnamese communities, the Darfur Support Network (Sudan), Chinese democracy groups, student groups, former Olympians, and representatives from sports and politics are among the relay participants. The HRTR was initiated by the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (CIPFG).