Olympic protestors scale Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

San Francisco: Three people protesting China's human rights record were arrested on Monday after climbing up San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge with a Tibetan flag and two banners, even as authorities scrambled to perfect plans to control protesters during the torch's stop in the US.

The protesters, hoisting banners that read, "One World, One Dream. Free Tibet" and "Free Tibet 08," wore helmets and harnesses as they made their way up the bridge's cables, hovering about 150 feet above traffic.

Demonstrator Laurel Sutherlin, speaking on a mobile phone as he dangled from the bridge, said he worried that the torch's planned route through Tibet would lead to more arrests and use of force against Tibetans as Chinese officials sought to keep down any visible dissent.

He said, "The leaders of China have said they'll maintain order at all costs, and we know what that means - bloodshed and violent oppression … If the IOC allows the torch to proceed into Tibet they'll have blood on their hands."

In all, seven protesters were charged with conspiracy and causing a public nuisance, with the three climbers, including Sutherlin, facing additional charges of trespassing, said Mary Ziegenbien, a spokeswoman with the California Highway Patrol.

The torch's path around the globe already has been marked by protests against China's policies toward Tibet, Sudan, Myanmar and Chinese dissidents such as practitioners of Falun Gong.

In Paris, organisers cancelled the final leg of the Olympic run after chaotic protests, snuffing out the torch and putting it aboard a bus.