appeared to be common labourers

Odd: Just when the Chinese authorities get the Olympic flame back onto home ground:

In a stunning blow to China’s prestige, two local protesters shocked hundreds of cheering bystanders when they unexpectedly extinguished the Olympic Torch today near the Window of the World, a theme park in the Shenzhen industrial zone near Hong Kong.

…It is unknown what happened to the two protesters, who appeared to be common laborers. Some of the bystanders ended up with blood on their faces, the eyewitness said. It took about an hour of confusion, with the torchbearer being escorted to a military van, before it could be relit and start the procession again.

I wonder if this has got anything to do with the wave of strikes, lockouts and labour disputes in the region: not to mention riots and child labour markets.

UPDATE: According to Danwei, Chinese media are reporting that the flame was extinguished in a crush of enthisuastic supporters. All other accounts "harmonized", which is very quick work.

Comments

[Nick L]

Maybe this will lead to a mass boycott of Chinese hypermarkets...