Protesters disrupt torch

Hundreds of street protesters forced the Olympic torch to bypass part of the host city yesterday as demonstrators denounced the Winter Olympics on the eve of the opening ceremony.

Games organisers said they decided to divert the flame from the area of the protest after the demonstrators gathered on its anticipated route and police warned of possible harm to torch bearers or spectators.

It was the fourth time that protesters have forced the torch to divert from its route during its two-month trip across Italy.

The demonstrators in a central square also denounced a high-speed train, an anti-drug law and the expected arrival of US first lady Laura Bush in Turin.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said he was considering making an appeal to the nation to halt the protests "so that Italy does not appear to be the only country in the world that does not want the Games".