On April 27, 2007, China freed five Americans who protested against the upcoming Summer 2008 Olympics in Beijing to challenge China's rule over Tibet.
These Americans were arrested for "illegal activities aimed at splitting China" and were expelled according to the Chinese law.
As Beijing was about to announce the route for the Olympic torch for the next summer's games, the Americans displayed a protest banner at a base camp on Mount Everest.
The Olympic organizers are planning a trek that will cross five continents and scale Mount Everest. It will be 85 thousand miles and 135 days long.
By taking the torch to the top of Mount Everest, it is seen by some as as way for Beijing to emphasize it claims to Tibet. It is also expected to be one of the relay's highlights.
