Natalia Paderina

Georgians Protest in Beijing

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• published: 13 Aug 2008
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WONG: Georgians took to the streets of Beijing yesterday to protest against the Russian military operation in their country. They gathered in front of the Russian Embassy in the Chinese capital to call for peace. 
STORY: 
 About 15 Georgians were at the embassy with their national flag. They wore a band reading "Stop Russia." 
The protesters were trying to let the world know of what is happening in Georgia. 
[George Sartanill, Protest Organizer]: 
"Stop bombing Georgia, you know. The world should know what's
 going on. China should know what's going on. Every country should know what's
 going on right now in Georgia. And they had better stop it now. We come in 
peace and every Georgian is feeling the pain right now. So every Georgian has
 to stand up and everybody has to stand up for peace."
 The protesters say it is hard on the Georgian athletes at the Games. 
[George Sartanill, Protest Organizer]:
 "The Georgian athletes, do you think they could compete now, after they know their families are in danger?" 
Earlier, a Georgian competitor had embraced her Russian rival on the podium. 
Georgia's Nino Salukvadze, who took bronze in the ten meter air pistol,
 hugged Russia's Natalia Paderina, who won the silver.
 Russia had ordered in soldiers and bombed Georgian targets after Tbilisi attempted to retake South Ossetia. The United States, Georgia's main ally, condemned Moscow's military action.