Olympic torch relay passes through Tibetan capital

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LHASA, China (AFP) — Hand-picked spectators cheered runners as the Olympic torch relay passed through Tibet's capital Lhasa on Saturday, just three months after deadly riots against China's rule here.

Paramilitary police watched the event closely from the ground and surrounding buildings, an AFP photographer witnessed, while the area was closed off to all but those given special passes for the event.

Students and employees of state-owned companies were among those chosen to cheer the torch as it passed through the city before ending in front of the Potala Palace, former chief residence of exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama.

Tibetan singer Caidan Zhuoma took the torch to the palace before it was combined with the special flame that was carried up the...