Protests against Olympics around Tokyo Games opening ceremony

Tokyo, July 23, (dpa/GNA) – There have been various anti-Olympic protests in the Japanese capital as the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Games gets underway at the national stadium.

Dozens of people, surrounded by police, gathered at the city hall with banners saying “Put out the Olympic torch,” “No Olympics” and one which called the Games a “Global crime against Japan.”

There were also loud protests outside the stadium which, as fans were not permitted to attend due to the coronavirus pandemic, could be heard inside during quieter parts of the ceremony.

Many others also met at the stadium to seemingly be close to the opening ceremony without protesting though recent polls showed the majority of Japanese do not want the Games to take place in Tokyo amid the global pandemic.
GNA