Nepal expels climber with 'Free Tibet' banner from Everest

[Robb]

Source: AP

KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A mountain climber with a "Free Tibet" banner was forced to turn back from Mount Everest, which Chinese climbers carrying the Olympic torch plan to summit next month, officials said Wednesday.

The climber, whose identity has not been released, was caught with the banner in his bags at Everest's base camp, said the mountaineering officials in Nepal's capital, Katmandu. The officials did not want to be named because they are not authorized to speak to reporters.

(snip)

The climb will take place on the Chinese side of the mountain. But the Nepalese government, complying to pressure from Chinese government, has posted soldiers on the southern side and banned climbing near the summit between May 1-10 as a precaution.

(snip)

They will be barred from going above Camp 2 at 21,300 feet until the Chinese finish their torch run. The harsh weather on Everest allows only about two windows — anywhere from a couple of days to a week — in May when conditions are favorable enough for the push to the summit.

Read more: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hzyQ-THQBa5tbgnAZGZKX2zxb8IAD907DCPO0

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. And Nepal may shoot protesters

"Police and soldiers have been given orders to stop any protest on the mountain using whatever means necessary, including use of weapons, but the use of deadly force is authorized only as a last resort."

In mountaineering terms, running the risk of being shot at probably comes under "objective danger". I wonder if the new Maoist (in name) government thinks shooting protesters is sound international and tourist policy?

[f the letter]

2. That is some dedication! Power to you anonymous climber n/t