Further security measures for Olympics put in place

With reports of security increasing throughout Beijing ahead of the Olympic Games, which are set to begin on 8 August, officials stated on 30 July 2008 that security checkpoints have been set up in Tiananmen Square. New restrictions will force individuals to wait in line in order to pass security checks before entering the square. Earlier, checkpoints were established to monitor the underground passages leading to Tiananmen Square. The square is a very sensitive location in Beijing as it was the site of the highly controversial crackdown on demonstrations in 1989 that resulted in hundreds of deaths. Additional reports indicate that on 8 August, tourists will have only limited access to the square due to the cultural and sports activities being held there.