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Tough stance U.S. protests alleged police assault of American
BEIJING (AP) -- The U.S. Embassy has lodged a protest over the alleged beating by police of an American news photographer who was covering a concert aimed to promote Beijing's Olympic bid. "We are outraged that an American journalist accredited to work in China has apparently been assaulted by Chinese police officials," an embassy spokesman said Tuesday. Diplomats also asked China to investigate, the spokesman said on condition of anonymity. The photographer, Stephen Shaver, was punched by police who stopped him outside China's former imperial palace during a concert Saturday by opera's Three Tenors, said Agence France-Presse, the French news agency he works for. The concert inside the palace in central Beijing was meant to boost the Chinese capital's bid to stage the 2008 Olympics by showcasing its ability to hold large-scale international events. AFP said about six plainclothes and uniformed police beat the photographer after he took a picture of a protester, who was also beaten and kicked by police. AFP said the photographer was treated in a hospital for bruises on his arms and swelling on his head. Chinese authorities frequently detain foreign reporters and seize equipment. Foreign journalists are required to have permission for any reporting. AFP said the photographer presented his official accreditation to cover the concert. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said she did not have details about the incident, but said foreign correspondents must follow regulations. "I believe that is an isolated case. It has nothing to do with Beijing's bid to host the Olympic Games," Zhang said at a regularly scheduled briefing. The International Olympic Committee votes July 13 on a site for the 2008 Games. Beijing is considered the favorite, competing against Toronto; Paris; Osaka, Japan; and Istanbul, Turkey.
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