D-day for the opening ceremony

Emmanuel F24 — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:48:55 +0200

Finally, residents in Beijing are delighted to see the Olympic flame burning in the Chinese sky.

After seven long years, one of the most exciting countries of the 21st century declared the XXIXth Olympic games open.

Our Observers present in Beijing and Shanghai sent their pictures and comments to help you experience the opening day of the Games.

"Beijing Games, games of shame"

Emmanuel F24 — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:00:29 +0200

14H08, the opening ceremony starts in Beijing. At the same time in Paris, a silent sit-in takes place in front of the Chinese embassy. Hundreds of protesters and sympathizers of the Tibetan cause answered to Reporter without Borders' call.

Until the last minute, the NGO was forbidden to march in front of the Chinese embassy. But at midday, the Paris tribunal lifted the ban. The march began at the famous Paris restaurant Le Fouquet on the Champs-Elysées but had to halt in front of a police blockade. "Beijing Games, Games of shame!", "Sarko traitor", "Hu Jintao, killer" were slogans chanted by the angry protesters.