Gosper rebuked on flame security
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008Samantha Maiden & Paul Maley; 16/4/08
International Olympic Committee vice-president Kevan Gosper was carpeted by the federal Government yesterday for suggesting Chinese security guards could play a role in protecting the Olympic torch, contradicting Kevin Rudd on the issue. The Prime Minister remained adamant last night that the Chinese paramilitaries condemned as “thugs” by the head of London’s 2012 Olympics organisation would be confined to a bus during the relay through Canberra on April 24 and local police would handle security. Mr Gosper had suggested the Chinese Sacred Flame Protection Unit might be called in to help control crowds if Australian police could not cope.
