Rights groups hold international protests against Beijing Winter Games over human rights violation

Human rights activists around the world are rallying against the Beijing Olympics, ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony.

Organizers said over 200 groups are taking part in the protests in over 65 cities in the United States, India, and other countries.

A demonstration was also held in the Swiss city of Lausanne, the site of the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee.

About 150 people gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate General in New York City on Thursday. They said China is violating human rights in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Hong Kong, and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The protesters held placards with the slogans “Boycott Beijing 2022” and “No Rights, No Games.” They shouted “No freedom, no Olympics” and marched for about one kilometer through midtown Manhattan.

A participant said China is abusing human rights in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, and should not be hosting the Olympics. She said the groups have a responsibility to tell the world what is going on in China.