Activists urge torch-bearers to speak out on Tibet oppression

Their call came as the Foreign Office condemned Beijing for its continuing "violation" of human rights, noting that China executed more people than any other country last year. Speaking at yesterday's launch of the annual human rights report, the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, said that global concern about China's crackdown in Tibet was "justified and proper".

The latest round of anti-China protests began in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, on 10 March – the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. They turned violent four days later and sparked demonstrations among Tibetans in three neighbouring provinces of China.

Two more people died in clashes between Chinese police and Tibetans yesterday. Human rights groups say 140 people have been killed but the Chinese government puts the number of dead at 22.

Yesterday, the French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who arrives in Britain today for a state visit, became the first world leader to threaten Beijing with an Olympic walkout in protest at the crackdown. Asked whether he supported a boycott of the opening ceremony in August, M. Sarkozy said he could "not close the door to any possibility". His comment is certain to embarrass Chinese officials who are desperately trying to prevent unrest in Tibet from detracting from the Games. They are billing the 130-day, 137,000km Olympic torch relay as a "journey of harmony" that will enhance mutual understanding and friendship between nations, but the route has taken on increasingly political overtones.

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