Reuters

Tibet protesters scale Golden Gate Bridge

Updated 14.24 Tue Apr 08 2008

Keywords: china, tibet, san francisco, beijing olympic games, olympic games, olympic torch, olympic flame, world

Three anti-China protesters have climbed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, where the Olympic flame has arrived for the latest leg of the international torch relay.

The campaigners wore helmets and harnesses as they scaled the bridge's suspension cables and unfurled banners reading "One World One Dream. Free Tibet" and "Free Tibet 08."

"This is a life or death situation for Tibetans" - Yangchen Lhamo

The protesters later climbed down and seven people were charged with conspiracy and causing a public nuisance.

A spokeswoman for the California Highway Patrol said the three climbers face additional charges of trespassing.

The protest organisers say they will remain faithful to their mission of protesting without violence when the torch relay reaches San Francisco on Wednesday.

There have already been chaotic scenes and dozens of arrests as the flame passed through London and Paris.

Yangchen Lhamo said: "This is a life or death situation for Tibetans."

San Francisco's mayor, Gavin Newsom, and the police department said they have the right to adjust the flame's route if necessary.

A federal aviation spokesman said the air space above the city will be restricted during the relay.