Nepal OKs Deadly Force Against Torch Protesters

Nepal has plans for protesters intent on disrupting the Olympic flame's ascent up Mount Everest, the AP reports. An official today authorized the use of deadly force "to stop any protest on the mountain using whatever means necessary." Climbers are scheduled to reach the summit in the border region between Nepal and Tibet early next month.

Nepal calls violence a last resort, but did not specify whether protesters must attack first. Other climbers will be barred from elevations above 21,300 feet as the Chinese complete the longest torch relay in the history of the Olympics. Nepal—which cracked down on Tibetan demonstrators in Kathmandu—has already stationed soldiers and police officers along the mountain. (More 2008 Beijing Olympics stories.)