The PR Lab

And so it begins. The Olympic Torch Relay (and PR battle) has begun amid protest at China’s human rights record.

Some representatives from Reporters Without Borders broke through security at the torch-lighting ceremony at Olympia, Greece.

Activists are angered that the torch’s 136,000-km (85,000-mile) route will take it through the Himalayan region and Mount Everest, which straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet.

Associated Press reports that Narisa Chakrabongse — one of Thailand’s six torchbearers — said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to “send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions.”

Score: Protestors 1, China 0.