Guardian photographer and writer Charles Russo sent over these pics of this afternoon’s Olympic torch protests and rallies:
Tibetan-born Lobsang Lama (center left) traveled from his home in Portland, Oregon to protest China’s human rights violations in Tibet and its hosting of the 2008 Olympics.
Tibetan Tagudh Youndoung engages in debate with a pro-Chinese supporter along the Embarcadero while waiting for the Olympic Torch procession.
After the huge crowds outside the Ferry Building and Justin Herman Plaza realized the Olympic Torch route had changed, the previously cordoned-off Embarcadero became a logjam of confrontations between Tibetan and Chinese supporters.
A pro-China demonstrator seeks to keep a torn Chinese flag aloft after it had been ripped by Tibetan activists.
Jack Kornfield (right with sign) and Ashin Nanikabhivamsa led a huge peace walk of Burmese monks and activists across the Golden Gate Bridge in solidarity with Tibetan protestors.