Torch Guards Took Part In Tibet Crackdown

BEIJING — The Chinese guards of the Olympic flame who fended off protesters in Europe are members of the paramilitary units that crushed dissent in Tibet, a Hong Kong newspaper said yesterday. Officially described as "volunteers" by Beijing, the 30 guards were recruited from specialist squads in the People's Armed Police, a 1 million strong force dedicated to maintaining public order. The PAP has moved into Tibet and Tibetan-settled areas since the protests against Chinese rule began last month. It has been accused by Tibet support groups of opening fire on demonstrators.

The Free Tibet Campaign called on Britain to explain why PAP forces were allowed to take charge of the operation. The hand-picked members of the "The Olympic Holy Flame Protection Unit" are all above 5 feet 9 inches and underwent a rigorous training program at the PAP special police academy in Beijing last August.