Tibetans, pro-democracy Chinese and Burmese in London united in condemnation of Hu Jintao

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From Tibetan Community in Britain

[London 02 April 2009]

Chinese President Hu Jintao’s arrival in London for the G20 Summit triggered a series of peaceful protests outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, where he was staying.

Six Tibetans and four Chinese staged a 24-hour hunger strike to highlight the gross violation of human rights by the Chinese regime under Hu Jintao, in particular China’s repressive policies in Tibet. A candlelight vigil concluded the hunger strike, where more Chinese from Falun Gong group and Burmese joined in solidarity to condemn Hu Jintao of his total lack of respect for human rights.

Phurbu Rinzin from Tibetan Community in Britain said, “We have taken these actions to remind Mr Hu Jintao of the deep pain Tibetans continue to suffer under China’s wrong and repressive policies in Tibet.”

Whilst protesting at the ExCel Centre earlier today, Karma Chura-Tsang, Director of Tibetan Youth UK said, “We are calling the world leaders to raise the deepening crisis in Tibet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and call for an end to his government’s violent repression of the Tibetan people.”

Shao Jiang, a survivor of the Tiananmen Massacre, who also participated in the hunger strike, stressed the importance of “freedom of expression, respect for human rights in China and the right to the self-determination of Tibetan people.” He also called for democracy in China and justice for Tiananmen victims.

Prince Charles has reportedly raised Tibet with Hu Jintao when loud protest continued outside the hotel. Tibetan National Anthem fittingly concluded the protest against Hu Jintao in London.