Chinese premier visit sparks protest
Pro-Tibet protestors clash with police
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Sunday, 01, Feb 2009 03:52
Police arrested five pro-Tibet protestors in London demonstrating during a visit by Chinese premier Wen Jibao.
Members of the crowd broke through police ranks as Mr Wen arrived at the Chinese embassy, waving Tibetan flags.
Police gave chase and were able to restrain the demonstrators as they tried to breach the barriers.
"Tibetans here are determined to hold Wen Jiabao to account for the ongoing and worsening situation in Tibet," Free Tibet activist Matt Whitticase told Reuters.
"We also want to send a message to Gordon Brown. Brown must get tough with Premier Wen. He must demonstrate his belief in human rights and (that) freedom is universal, even when it is politically inconvenient."
However, supporters of Mr Wen were also outside the building, and greeted the prime minister with firecrackers and waving Chinese flags.
Mr Wen is expected to join celebrations to mark the start of the Chinese New Year.
The Chinese prime minister had earlier met Tory leader David Cameron and shadow foreign secretary William Hague to discuss the global downturn.