2 reporters beaten by police and 18 tourists detained in run-up to the Olympics

On 5 August 2008 two Japanese reporters, one a photographer and one a journalist, were beaten after they were detained by police officers while covering a recent attack on a police station in Kashgar in the western China region of Xinjiang. The journalists were reportedly beaten by police officers at the local police station then were later interrogated at their hotel. The Japanese men, who had been reporting on the 4 August attack on a police station that left 16 police officers dead, were later released. The men were not seriously injured. Japanese government officials have denounced the beating and called the arrest unjustified. Authorities in Japan are reportedly meeting with Chinese officials to gather information on the incident. Meanwhile, security has been increased in Kashgar after the attacks, with police officers lining the roads leading into the city. Security personnel were also posted at government offices, schools and hospitals. Police officers have reportedly boarded vehicles at checkpoints to verify the identities of passengers. Officials also reported that more than 18 foreign tourists suspected of terrorism have been detained in the lead-up to the Olympics. No further details are available regarding the detentions.