Hong Kong:

Hong Kong police have refused to rule out arresting protesters who wave the Tibet flag when the Beijing Olympic torch is paraded through the city, but insisted today that freedoms will be respected.

“We are a free society and we welcome free protest, but it really depends on the circumstances,” said chief superintendent David Ng, answering how pro-Tibet activists would be dealt with when the torch travels through here on Friday. “I appeal to everyone to not conduct any provocative acts on the day,” he added, before admitting that there is no specific law banning the raising of the Tibetan flag. The flag — which shows a bright yellow sun on a red and blue background flanked by two snow lions — is banned in mainland China.

Hong Kong has come under pressure over freedom of expression after refusing entry to a Danish sculptor. He had been planning to protest against the Olympic torch. The flame will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow but the authorities here have refused to say where it will be kept ahead of the relay. — AFP