Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: British journalist detained after Beijing protest

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

British journalist detained after Beijing protest

British journalist has been detained after he tried to report on a pro-Tibet demonstration in Beijing, reports claims.John Ray, ITN's China correspondent, was apparently approached by uniformed police and wrestled to the ground shortly after the protestors unfurled their pro-Tibetan banner near the Olympic Stadium.Up to seven demonstrators were also arrested in the protest before Mr Ray was dragged into a nearby restaurant, eye witnesses say.Mr Ray said he was detained for about 20 minutes in the restaurant and a police car before being released, although his equipment bag was confiscated."This was an assault in my mind, I am incredibly angry about this," Mr Ray told the AFP news agency. "I tried to explain to them that I was a British journalist but they would not even let me take out my identification documents, they were very rough."I am just wondering where this fits in with China's solemn undertaking to allow us to report freely during the Olympics."China had promised foreign journalists would be allowed to freely report during the Olympic Games but there have been numerous reports of journalists being apparently censored.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.