Fed: Smith says runner's withdrawal a good way to protest

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2008
Fed: Smith says runner's withdrawal a good way to protest

CANBERRA, April 22 AAP - A torch bearer's decision to drop out of the Canberra leg
of the Olympic torch relay over human rights concerns has not disappointed Foreign Minister
Stephen Smith.

Mr Smith says the move is a good example of peaceful protest.

Social justice advocate and ACT Australian of the Year Lin Hatfield Dodds was one of
those selected to carry the torch during the relay on Thursday.

But ongoing concerns about Chinese human rights abuses in Tibet convinced Ms Hatfield
Dodds to change her mind.

Mr Smith today said Ms Hatfield Dodds was setting a good example.

"I'm not disappointed at all in her conduct for this reason: it's a very good example
of peacefully making a point," he told reporters in Canberra.

"That's her point of view, she's entitled to it.

"She's entitled to make that point of view without anyone intimidating her.

Mr Smith said he hoped everyone who attended the event would follow that example.

"If you want to make a point about a personal view that you hold, make it, but make
it it peacefully."

Ms Hatfield Dodds is the president of the Australian Council of Social Service and
national director of UnitingCare Australia.

AAP ag/pw/it/bwl

KEYWORD: OLY08 FLAME SMITH

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