Moscow police today arrested 14 pro-Tibet demonstrators protesting China's bid to win the 2008 Olympic Games only hours before an official decision on who will host them, witnesses said.
Alexander Levy, a Reporters Without Borders representative who was also detained, told AFPby telephone from the police van that nine demonstrators were arrested moments after unfurling a "No Olympics for Beijing" banner.
Five members of the Free Tibet movement were arrested moments later after a tense morning standoff with riot police, witnesses said.
The demonstrations were held outside the central Moscow hotel where the decision on whether Beijing, Toronto, Paris, Osaka or Istanbul will be named host for the Games is to be announced.
Police on Wednesday arrested about a dozen pro-Tibet demonstrators during a similar demonstration.
AFP