China deports eight detained Americans: US embassy

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — China has deported eight Americans who were detained in Beijing last week after a wave of pro-Tibet protests coinciding with the Olympics, the US embassy here said Monday.

"Chinese authorities informed us last night that the eight individuals, detained August 20 and 21 respectively, were deported by Chinese authorities," a US embassy spokeswoman told AFP.

The eight left China while the Olympic closing ceremony was taking place, and before they had completed 10-day sentences they received last week, triggering high-level US pressure for their release.

The spokeswoman said they were flown out Sunday night via Air China to Los Angeles.

"We urge China to take positive steps to address international and domestic concerns about its record...