Symbols are powerful, and the Olympic Torch, making its way around the world, is supposed to be a symbol of good sportsmanship. With the Olympics taking place in China, that country’s occupation of Tibet and protests against the occupation and the repression that comes with occupation have changed the meaning of the symbol.

Now the Olympic torch has arrived in Argentina, it’s only stop in Latin America. Thousands of police have been mobilized after protesters warned of a Buenos Aires surprise.

Activists were already preparing protests. One, Jorge Carcavallo, unfurled a giant banner along the torch route reading ”Free Tibet.”
Falun Gong member Axel Borgia said the spiritual movement banned by China would protest as well, but he wouldn’t give details. ”The Olympic Games and crimes against humanity cannot coexist in China,” Borgia said.

Handlers let no one publicly view the arrival of the flame in Buenos Aires. Latin American sports stars like soccer great Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta, and former tennis star Gabriela Sabatini are all invited to form part of the official torch runners.

Via / BBC & NYT

Image Via / Huffington Post