London: Free Tibet Climbers Scale Tower Bridge

On the eve of the start of the Beijing Olympic Games, SFT-UK activists protested on London’s iconic Tower Bridge. Climber Jenny Raynor (26) and the two-woman support team, Elizabeth Elliott and Katie Mallin, were intercepted and arrested. The second climber, James Murray (23), ascended a support cable by the South tower and unfurled a Tibetan National flag and a banner reading:  “Beijing 2008: Make Olympic History: Free Tibet.”

The 40 sq ft banner and climber remained in place for around an hour and a half, attracting press calls and cries of “Free Tibet!” from drivers and tourists alike. An initially aggressive Police presence soon fell to discussion of Maoism and Tibetan freedom and human rights.

Upon his descent, Murray was met with enthusiastic applause from the gathered crowd and was arrested by City Police. The four were detained at Bishopsgate Police Station for 10 hours and charged with causing a Public Nuisance. Their hearing takes place on August 13th at 10am at the City of London Magistrates Court.

Check out the BBC’s coverage of this dramatic action!