Olympic protesters climb Golden Gate bridge

Three people protesting against China’s human rights record and the impending arrival of the Olympic torch climbed up San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge today.

They tied the Tibetan flag and two banners – reading “One World One Dream. Free Tibet” and “Free Tibet” – to the bridge’s cables.

The protesters wore helmets and harnesses as they made their way up the cables running next to the south tower of the bridge. The group were suspended many feet above the traffic.

The torch is due to arrive in San Francisco, its only North American stop, on Wednesday.

Its path around the globe has already been marked by protests against China’s policies toward Tibet and Sudan.

In Paris, organisers cancelled the final leg of the Olympic run after chaotic protests, snuffing out the torch and putting it aboard a bus.

Rallies, vigils and news conferences related to the torch’s arrival have taken place in San Francisco almost daily for several weeks.

More are planned over the next two days in anticipation of the torch’s arrival.

Around 80 torchbearers will carry the flame on a six-mile route along San Francisco Bay.