Domenech tells French not to watch Games on TV

PARIS (Reuters) - France soccer coach Raymond Domenech said on Friday his compatriots should not watch the August Olympics on television to make a statement on human rights.

"The French are saying they don't want the Games (in Beijing) because it's a scandal in the light of human rights in China," Domenech told the Le Monde daily in an interview.

"I'm telling people, if you're against the Games in China then don't watch them and turn your TV off. It would be a brave gesture and an act of civil duty.

"That way, instead of criticizing others, you do something and you take responsibility for it. I will not be watching."

The journey of the Olympic torch around the world has been dogged by protests, largely over Chinese rule in Tibet where a wave of anti-government unrest erupted in March.

In Paris, many protests and attempts by activists to snatch the torch prompted Chinese security officials to extinguish it several times.

(Writing by Patrick Vignal; Editing by Tony Jimenez)