Olympic torch goes out in City of Lights

PARIS, April 7 (UPI) -- About half of the Olympic torch's relay through Paris Monday was canceled because of protesters demonstrating against China's record on human rights.

The torch was extinguished during the relay -- which was greeted by thousands of protesters -- and taken from Paris by bus, CNN reported. The number of times it was snuffed varied among news agencies, with CNN reporting it was doused and relit twice before being put out permanently.

Despite heavy security, at least one activist got close to inline-skating police officers surrounding the torch-bearer, The New York Times reported. Several arrests were made.

About 3,000 police officers were deployed to try to prevent a repeat of Sunday's protests in London, when demonstrators tried to put out the torch with water and fire extinguishers, the Times reported.

The torch is separate from the Olympic flame, which travels in an accompanying bus.

The Summer Games in Beijing and the torch's travels acted as flash points for opponents of the Chinese government and who support autonomy or freedom for Tibet.

In Beijing, a spokeswoman for the Olympic organizing committee said the relay would continue.

"The torch represents the Olympic spirit, and people welcome the torch," said Wang Hui, the spokeswoman.