Paris: Olympic torch put out twice amid protests

Sourced from: www.ibnlive.com

The Olympic torch was extinguished and put on a bus for protection at least twice Monday as it moved through Paris amid heavy protests, including at least one attempt to rush a torch-bearer.

A man identified as a Green Party activist was grabbed by security officers as he headed for 1997 400-metre world champion Stephane Diagana, who was carrying the torch at the beginning of its relay from the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. The man was tackled before he got close to Diagana.

Later in the relay, police threw other protesters to the ground and carried some away. The torch was snuffed out and placed on a bus.

It was extinguished and put on a bus again less than an hour later as protesters booed and began chanting ''Tibet!'' although none appeared to rush the torch.

The relay resumed but protesters were planning more demonstrations along Monday's route.