http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/SFT UK blog their stories, thoughts, and actions.en-UKhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/6c/dc31d3edd21e70188cd944b3c77d84_160x200.jpg <p>Dear Supporter,<br> Some of you must be aware that this month SFTUK is holding TWO SPECIAL BACK TO BACK EVENTS!</p> <p>4 DAYS FROM TODAY i.e. on 20,21,22 of November, SFT UK is holding its Annual Conference and a Fundraiser Party with the New Executive Director of SFT - Tenzin Dorjee aka Tendor.</p> <p>If you haven't yet booked the ticket for the Conference, Now is the Time!! </p> <p>If you book the Ticket in Advance, it will only cost £12!! and moreover you will get our Fundraiser Party Ticket for a DISCOUNTED PRICE - £ 4.50!!!</p> <p>For more Info kindly read the following:-<br><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><br><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/954/4114954_3bba763897_m.jpeg" alt="SFTUK1"><br><strong><br>DATE:</strong> FRIDAY 20th NOVEMBER'09<br> 7pm - 2am, be sharp!</p> <p><strong>WHERE: </strong>Boston Arms<br> 178 Junction Road,<br> London, N19 5QQ</p> <p><strong>NEAREST STATION: </strong>Tuffnell Park (opposite the station)</p> <p><strong>ADMISSION: </strong>£4.50 for advanced conference bookies only!<br> £10 on the door</p> <p><strong>EVENT INFO:</strong> SFT UK FUNDRAISER PARTY!</p> <p> The Talk is -- VISION & TECHNOLOGY</p> <p>Whats next for the movement? Where do we go from here?<br>What does SFT have planned next?</p> <p>TENZIN DORJEE (Tendor) the new Executive Director of<br>SFT will talk about how technology is enhancing and changing the course of the Tibetan Freedom Movement.</p> <p>DJ CyZE aka Choezin will debut and entertain us with his New Tunes of East Meets West Collision!! ( Its going to be worth every PENNY! )</p> <p>Tendor, will also be performing few songs live from his acclaimed album "Logchopa"!!</p> <p>Come and join on us to celebrate the works of SFT International and Tibet's supporters for its past and current work.</p> <p><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/955/4114955_b737d94474_m.jpeg" alt="conflyer copy"><br><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>DATE:</strong> SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER'09</p> <p><strong>WHERE: </strong>SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies)<br> University of London<br> Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square,<br> London WC1H 0XG</p> <p><strong>ADMISSION:</strong> £12 advance booking!<br> £15 at the door</p> <p><strong>EVENT INFO:</strong> SFT UK ANNUAL CONFERENCE!</p> <p>It going to be a 2 day weekend, packed full of inspiring workshops and seminars by very active and strong leaders in our Tibetan Movement as well as other great global activists.</p> <p>To name a few: - NON-VIOLENT DIRECT ACTIONS (NVDA), MEDIA TRAINING, POLITICAL LOBBYING, CHINESE OUTREACH etc are few of the programmes that have been organized for the weekend.</p> <p>SPEAKERS like Tendor, the new executive director of SFT, Thubten Samdup ( Europe His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative), Mandie Mckeown from ITSN ( International Tibet Support Network), Fiona from SCC(Stop Climate Chaos) and many more will lead the conference!!</p> <p>We will also be joined by long-term Tibet friends and supporters who work in other fields, like Greenpeace, Guardian, Friends of the Earth Scotland, and others to share with us their knowledge and skills, so that we can enhance our movement in the right direction</p> <p><strong>FYI</strong> - LUNCH and ACCOMMODATION are included in the Conference Fees!</p> <p>You can book the ticket advance online by visiting our website <a href="http://www.sftuk.org">www.sftuk.org</a> and donate the correct amount for the conference  under the paypal logo. For more info regarding the booking and the conference programme please contact: <em> <a href="mailto:pema@sftuk.org">pema@sftuk.org</a></em></p> <p>SFTUK, Conference is open to all.</p> <p>If you would like to tell your friends about the conference please visit <a href="http://www.sftuk.org">www.sftuk.org</a> where you can download the flyers and distribute.</p> <p>DON’T FORGET: IF you book in advance for the conference, the entrance fee for the SFT PARTY is only £4.50 and student price bar!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/only-4-days-left-to-sft-uk-fundraiser-annual-conference-7386809/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/only-4-days-left-to-sft-uk-fundraiser-annual-conference-7386809/Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:32:21 +0100 <p><span><span><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/830/4114830_5b75951eeb_m.jpeg" alt="sft essex ff5"></span></span><br><span><span><strong><br>10th Oct'09, Essex</strong> - </span><span>The array of colourful banners and posters attracted many towards the SFT stall at the University of Essex Fresher’s fair. The student’s continued to raise awareness about Tibet by handing out flyers and giving information to those who stopped by. Many students came to browse through the display of books on Tibetan culture and history also interested in society activities.</span><span> </span><span>Through the fair the society managed to gain more members and are now planning follow up events in order to continue to raise awareness and bring the situation of Tibet to the attention of individuals both on and off campus.  <br><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/829/4114829_61e14ba896_m.jpeg" alt="sft essex ff1"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/831/4114831_aaa5e11f8a_m.jpeg" alt="sft essex ff2"></span><span><br></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/essex-students-for-a-free-tibet-fresher-s-fair-7386508/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/essex-students-for-a-free-tibet-fresher-s-fair-7386508/Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:45:34 +0100 <p>Please make a donation from just $10 (£6) during the Facebook daily giving challenge!</p> <p>From 7pm Wednesday 28 Oct - 7pm Thursday 29 Oct</p> <p>ALL FUNDS RAISED FROM THIS DAILY CHALLENGE WILL GO TO Students for a Free Tibet UK</p> <p>Help us raise vital funds to campaign for Tibetan freedom & justice!</p> <p>PLEASE DONATE NOW: <a href="http://www.causes.com/sft">www.causes.com/sft</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/29/24-hours-to-make-a-big-difference-to-students-for-a-free-tibet-uk-7265541/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/29/24-hours-to-make-a-big-difference-to-students-for-a-free-tibet-uk-7265541/Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:29:58 +0100 <p><span><span><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/596/4033596_98d7b0463b_m.jpeg" alt="Flowers laid for the executed outside Chinese Embassy" width="234" height="352"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/597/4033597_08c6e36c22_m.jpeg" alt="Tibet supporter participating in the candle lit vigil" width="232" height="349"></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span lang="en-US"><strong>23</strong></span>^{<span lang="en-US"><strong>rd</strong></span>}<span lang="en-US"><strong> Oct'09, London</strong></span><span lang="en-US">-Following the executions of four Tibetan political prisoners, Tibetans and Supporters gathered for a candle-lit vigil outside the Chinese Embassy on Thursday evening organised jointly by the Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups. Lobsang Gyaltsen, Loyak, Penkyi and an as yet unidentified prisoner were executed in Toelung, near Lhasa on Tuesday 20</span>^{<span lang="en-US">th</span>}<span lang="en-US">October. As participants sang prayers and songs of solidarity together, the sadness and shock of all present was palpable.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span lang="en-US">The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups is united in its condemnation of this latest reminder of China’s appalling human rights record in occupied Tibet.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span>Tibet Society CEO, Philippa Carrick commented: <span lang="en-US"><em>"We call on the British government to issue an immediate statement condemning the executions in the strongest possible terms and we further call on the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to scrutinise the Chinese government's legal procedures that led to these shocking executions. In May the British government admitted it had real cause for concern about the death sentences meted out to Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak. Now it is time for the government speak out and act on these concerns and hold the Chinese government to account.”</em></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span lang="en-US">Reacting to news of the executions, Director of Free Tibet, Stephanie Brigden, said:</span> “<span lang="en-US"><em>The executions are an outrage. It is impossible to have any confidence that even the most basic legal norms were observed before the Chinese state sanctioned and carried out the killing of these four Tibetans.”</em></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span lang="en-US">Campaigns Coordinator for Students for a Free Tibet UK, Padma Dolma stated:</span> “<span lang="en-US"><em>The world cannot sit by while China carries out politically motivated executions in Tibet. The UK’s government must take a lead in condemning these executions and in ensuring the safety of Tibetans in Lhasa during the current security crackdown.”</em></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span lang="en-US">The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups are:</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span>Tibetan Youth UK</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Tibet Society</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Tibetan Community in Britain</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Students for a Free Tibet</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Free Tibet</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Photos by:<em>Luke Ward</em></span></span></p> <p><span><span><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/598/4033598_6c2b099c15_m.jpeg" alt="Tibetans and Supporters Gathered Opposite the Chinese Embassy in London"><br></span></span></p> <p><span><span><br></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/tibetans-and-supporters-in-the-uk-hold-vigil-for-executed-tibetans-7230470/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/tibetans-and-supporters-in-the-uk-hold-vigil-for-executed-tibetans-7230470/Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:09:12 +0200 <p>[22 October 2009] The 166 member organisations of the International Tibet Support Network condemn the government of China for the executions of four Tibetans, Lobsang Gyaltsen, Loyak, Penkyi and a fourth unidentified Tibetan, in Lhasa on 20 October. </p> <p>China's decision to execute these four Tibetans is an affront to international judicial standards. These executions are clearly politically motivated (see Notes 1 & 2), and concerns that those convicted did not have a fair trial are well-founded. Tuesday’s executions show that China will use all methods at its disposal to intimidate Tibetans and crush all perceived opposition to its occupation of Tibet. </p> <p>Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak were sentenced to death on 8 April 2009. They had been charged with "starting fatal fires" in which, according to Xinhua, seven Chinese people died in Lhasa on 14 March 2008, when four days of peaceful protests by Tibetan monks in Lhasa escalated into city-wide unrest. A Xinhua statement on 8 April said they "have to be executed to assuage the people's anger". Judicial procedure calls for death sentence convictions to be reviewed by the Supreme People's Court before sentences carried out, but no information is available if such reviews occurred in these cases.</p> <p>The identity of the other two Tibetans executed remains unclear. Three Tibetans received suspended death sentences on arson charges in April 2009. Gangtsu and Tenzin Phuntsog were given death sentences suspended for two years on the same day Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak were sentenced. In addition, a life sentence was handed to Dawa Sangpo. On 21 April, Xinhua reported that three Tibetan women had been sentenced for charges of arson which led to the deaths of six people. Penkyi from Sakya received a death sentence suspended for two years, another Penkyi from Nyemo was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Chime Lhamo from Namling was sentenced to 10 years.</p> <p>In response to the executions, representatives of the Tibet movement made the following statements:</p> <p>Lhadon Tethong, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet said; "These executions, the first known executions of Tibetans since 2003, are a travesty of justice and signal an alarming escalation in the Chinese government's violent campaign to punish, intimidate, and silence Tibetans who dare to speak out against Chinese rule. Tibetans and their supporters worldwide will take to the streets in the coming days to condemn these executions and to demand immediate action on the part of our governments. We also call on U.S. President Obama to condemn these executions and to take bold and concrete action to help end China's occupation of Tibet when he makes his first presidential visit to China next month."</p> <p>Paul Bourke from Australia Tibet Council said; "These brutal executions are more about China reinforcing political control in Tibet than about justice. The executions are meant to send a strong warning to Tibetans – any public display of dissatisfaction with China’s rule in Tibet will be dealt with in the harshest possible manner. Given this distressing news, it is all the more imperative that Prime Minister Rudd meet with the Dalai Lama in December to discuss constructive action the Australian government can take to help bring about a fair and just resolution for the Tibetan people."</p> <p>Dhardon Sharling of Tibetan Women's Association said; "The members of the International Tibet Support Network sincerely hope that governments around the world will join in our condemnation of today's executions. The Tibet issue, and the associated human rights abuses and brutal crackdown inflicted by the Chinese Government will not go away unless there is a concrete and viable political resolution to the 60-year occupation of Tibet, yet the Chinese authorities have disdainfully rejected His Holiness' initiatives to bring about a mutually beneficial solution to both China and Tibet. We call on the international community to urge the Chinese leadership, in the strongest possible terms, to negotiate a peaceful solution to this long-standing injustice."</p> <p>Stephanie Brigden of Free Tibet added; "Tuesday's executions are a particular outrage. Despite Chinese law providing that these cases should have been trialled in open court – where independent observers could have attended - these four Tibetans have been prosecuted behind closed doors. It is impossible to have any confidence that even the most basic legal safeguards were met. In December last year the UN confirmed that the use of confessions, obtained through torture to secure convictions is routine and widespread in China – even the Chinese Government officials have acknowledged that “ nearly every wrongful verdict in recent years relates to illegal interrogation.”</p> <p>The member organisations of the International Tibet Support Network, a global coalition of Tibet campaign groups, demand that China:</p> <p>* Not exacerbate this outrage by executing any more Tibetans, and immediately commute all remaining death sentences. </p> <p>* Publish the names and whereabouts of the more than 1,200 Tibetans missing since the protests of March and April 2008. </p> <p>* Agree to the demand made in November 2008 by the UN Committee Against Torture for a "thorough and independent enquiry into the reported excessive use of force, including against peaceful demonstrators". </p> <p>* Reverse its rejection of the Dalai Lama's initiatives and negotiate a peaceful resolution to the 60 year occupation of Tibet. </p> <p>The 166 members of the International Tibet Support Network call on all governments to condemn these executions and to secure from China guarantees that all trials of Tibetans be held in open court, defendants have access to independent legal representation, legal safeguards are adhered to, and consular staff and foreign journalists are permitted to attend such court proceedings, where requested. </p> <p>The International Tibet Support Network<br> (see note 3 for full list of member organisations)</p> <p>Notes:<br> 1. A report released by Human RIghts Watch in March 2009 revealed a judicial system so highly politicised as to preclude any possibility for a fair trial for Tibetans. The report concluded that the "principle of independence of the judiciary is thoroughly undermined by leadership's demand that court and police tailor their actions to political requirements." For example, on 19 March 2008, prior to any determination by a court, the Lhasa procuratorate announced that the violence in Lhasa "was organised, planned, and premeditated by the Dalai Lama clique," and that in the cases of 24 criminal suspects formally arrested that day "the crimes were clear and the evidence sufficient" to determine that they had committed "state security crimes." <a href="http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/09/china-hundreds-tibetan-detainees-and-prisoners-unaccounted">http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/09/china-hundreds-tibetan-detainees-and-prisoners-unaccounted</a> </p> <p>2. During a meeting entitled “Working Commission to adjudicate cases involving 14 March Riot,” convened by the Tibet Autonomous Region's (TAR) Higher People’s Court in Lhasa on 2 April 2008, Pema Trinley, Executive Vice Governor of the TAR called on the judiciary to act fast and strike hard on the ‘Dalai clique.’ He said that stringent legal action should be taken in tune with Party policy so that the final verdict would gain political, legal and social dividends referring to achieving political and social stability. Source: Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy.</p> <p>3. The International TIbet Support Network, <a href="http://www.tibetnetwork.org">http://www.tibetnetwork.org</a> , is a vibrant coalition of 166 Tibet groups from all continents. The Network is dedicated to campaigning non-violently to restore the rights that Tibetans lost when China occupied Tibet 60 years ago. The International Tibet Support Network was created to strengthen individual member organisations and to make the Tibet movement as a whole more effective by coordinating powerful strategic campaigns on behalf of the Tibetan people. </p> <p>The 166 members of the International Tibet Support Network are:</p> <p>North America:<br> Association Cognizance Tibet, North Carolina<br> Bay Area Friends of Tibet<br> Boston Tibet Network<br> Canada Tibet Committee<br> China Tibet Initiative<br> Colorado Friends of Tibet<br> Committee of 100 for Tibet<br> Dhokam Chushi Gangdruk<br> International Campaign for Tibet<br> International Tibet Independence Movement<br> Los Angeles Friends of Tibet<br> Monadnock Friends of Tibet<br> Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association<br> Rangzen Alliance<br> San Diego Friends of Tibet<br> Santa Barbara Friends of Tibet<br> Seattle Friends of Tibet<br> Sierra Friends of Tibet<br> Students for a Free Tibet<br> Students for a Free Tibet – Canada<br> The Tibetan Alliance of Chicago<br> The World Tibet Day Foundation<br> Tibet Committee of Fairbanks<br> Tibet Justice Center<br> Tibetan Association of Ithaca<br> Tibetan Association of Northern California<br> Tibetan Association of Santa Fe<br> Tibetan Association of South California<br> Tibetan Cultural Association - Quebec<br> TIBETmichigan<br> Toronto Tibet Youth Congress<br> U.S. Tibet Committee<br> Western Colorado Friends of Tibet<br> Central & South America:<br> Amigos del Tibet, El Salvador<br> Asociacion Cultural Peruano Tibetana<br> Casa Tibet Mexico<br> Grupo De Apoyo a Tibet Chile<br> Grupo Pro-Cultura Tibetana, Chile<br> Centro De Cultura Tibetana<br> Le Club Francais<br> Pensando En Tibet - Mexico<br> Tibet Group-Panama<br> Tíbet Patria Libre, Uruguay<br> Asia:<br> Bharrat Tibbat Sahyog Manch, India<br> Circle of Friends (Philippines)<br> Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India<br> Foundation for Universal Responsibility of H. H. the Dalai Lama<br> Friedrich-Naumann Foundation<br> Gannasamannay<br> Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet<br> Himalayan Committee for Action on Tibet<br> India Tibet Friendship Society<br> Lung-ta<br> Mahatma Gandhi Tibet Freedom Movement<br> National Campaign for Tibetan Support, India<br> National Democratic Party of Tibet<br> Raise Tibetan Flag Campaign<br> Roof of the World Foundation, Indonesia<br> SFT-India<br> Taiwan Friends of Tibet<br> Taiwan Tibet Exchange Foundation<br> The Youth Liberation Front of Tibet, Mongolia and Turkestan<br> Tibet Lives, India<br> Tibet Solidarity Forum, Bangladesh<br> Tibet Support Group Kiku, Japan<br> Tibet Support Network Japan<br> Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre<br> Tibetan Women's Association (Central)<br> Tibetan Youth Congress<br> SFT Japan<br> Students for a Free Tibet - Bangladesh<br> Australasia:<br> Australia Tibet Council<br> Friends of Tibet New Zealand<br> Students for a Free Tibet New Zealand<br> Tibetan Community of Australia (Victoria)<br> Tibet Action Group of Western Australia<br> Africa & the Middle East:<br> Friends of Tibet - Isamailia (Egypt)<br> Israeli Friends of the Tibetan People<br> South African Friends of Tibet<br> Tibet Support Group Kenya<br> Western Europe:<br> Aide aux Refugies Tibetains<br> Association Dorje<br> Association Drôme Ardèche-Tibet<br> Association of Tibetans in Germany<br> Association Rencontres Tibetaines - C.S.P.T. Midi-Pyrenees<br> Associazione Italia-Tibet<br> Austrian Committee for Tibet<br> Briancon05 Urgence Tibet<br> Caisse d'Aide aux Prisonniers Tibetains<br> Casa del Tibet - Spain<br> Comite de Apoyo al Tibet (Madrid)<br> Comite de Soutien au Peuple Tibetain - Bretagne<br> Comite de Soutien au Peuple Tibetain (Les Lilas)<br> Comite de Soutien au Peuple Tibetain (Switzerland)<br> Comite de Soutien au Peuple Tibetain de l'Herault<br> Eco-Tibet France<br> EcoTibet Ireland<br> France-Tibet<br> Free Tibet Campaign<br> Games of Beijing, Switzerland<br> Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association<br> Groupe Non-Violent Louis Lecoin, France<br> Grupo de Apoio ao Tibete, Portugal<br> International Campaign for Tibet Deutschland<br> International Campaign for Tibet Europe<br> International Society of Human Rights, Munich Chapter<br> ISCOS-CISL<br> Jamtse Thundel Association<br> La Porte du Tibet, Geneva<br> Les Amis du Tibet - Belgium<br> Les Amis du Tibet Luxembourg<br> Lions Des Neiges<br> Lions Des Neiges Mont Blance, France<br> Maison des Himalayas<br> Maison du Tibet - Tibet Info<br> Nos Amis de l'Himalaya<br> Nice Tibet, France<br> Objectif Tibet<br> Passeport Tibetain<br> Reseau International des Femmes pour le Tibet<br> Save Tibet, Austria<br> Society for Threatened Peoples International (Associate Member)<br> Solidarite Tibet<br> Students for a Free Tibet - France<br> Students for a Free Tibet - UK<br> Tibet 59 / 62<br> Tibet Democratie<br> Tibet Initiative Deutschland<br> Tibet Libertes, France<br> Tibet Society, U.K.<br> Tibet Support Group - Ireland<br> Tibet Support Group - Netherlands<br> Tibet Unterstutzung Liechtenstein<br> Tibetan Community Austria<br> Tibetan Community in Britain<br> Tibetan Community in Ireland<br> Tibetan Youth Association in Europe<br> Tibetan Youth UK<br> Tibetisches Zentrum Hamburg<br> TSG Free Tibet And You<br> Tsowa-Maintenir la Vie, France<br> Urgence Tibet<br> Vrienden Van Tibet<br> Northern Europe:<br> Association of Free Tibet<br> Friends of Tibet in Finland<br> Swedish Tibet Committee<br> The Norwegian Tibet Committee<br> Tibet Support Committee Denmark -<br> Tibetan Community in Denmark<br> Tibetan Community Sweden<br> Central & Eastern Europe:<br> TSG - Slovenia<br> Friends of Tibet Society St. Petersburg, Russia<br> Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights - Tibet Desk<br> Lithuanian Tibet Culture Foundation<br> Polish Movement for a Free Tibet<br> Society for Croatia-Tibet Friendship<br> Students for a Free Tibet, Poland<br> The Foundation for Civil Society, Russia<br> Tibet cesky (Tibet in Czech)<br> Tibet Support Association - Hungary<br> Tibet Support Group - Krasnodar Region, Russia<br> Tibet Support Group - Romania<br> Tibet Support Group - Sochi Region, Russia<br> Tibetan Programme of The Other Space Foundation<br> Union Latvija Tibetai (Latvia for Tibet )<br> Zida Cels, Latvia </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/22/press-statement-for-immediate-release-contact-lhadon-tethong-new-york-7223319/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/22/press-statement-for-immediate-release-contact-lhadon-tethong-new-york-7223319/Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:39:17 +0200 <p><strong><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/067/3970067_e342021f87_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_4694"><br>1st October, London: </strong>On the day of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a ground-breaking coalition in London marked the six decades of oppression under Chinese Communist Party rule by calling for freedom, human rights and democracy for all peoples in the PRC. The newly formed coalition, Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity UK (CUTS UK) (1) , expressed their solidarity with a series of events, including a protest, vigil and film screenings.</p> <p>On 1st October, Chinese, Uighurs, Tibetans and supporters gathered outside the Chinese Embassy and called for the end of oppression in China and it's oppressed nations. With the aid of 60 gong strikes to symbolize the 60 years of oppression, representatives from China, East Turkestan and Tibet read out atrocities committed by the CCP. The coalition have published the atrocities which the CCP tries to cover up as a document called 'Missing Pages'.</p> <p>CUTS UK delivered a solidarity statement (2) to the Chinese Embassy written in each group's native language (Mandarin, Uighur and Tibetan as well as English) on a 10 metre long scroll. Supporters also added their own messages to the scroll before it was presented to the embassy.</p> <p>Shao Jiang, a Chinese dissident and one of the student organisers at the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, who now lives in the UK, said, “As a survivor of the Tiananmen Massacre, I am very proud of being a member of the coalition to manifest our resistance against the tyrannical rule of the Chinese Communist Party over the past 60 years. I believe firmly that with determination, persistence and solidarity, one day we will be free.”</p> <p>Karma Chura-Tsang, Director of Tibetan Youth UK echoed his thoughts, "It is time for China to realise after 60 years of Communist oppression, the call for freedom, justice and democracy will catapult and become a stronger, unified and irrevocable force and that this is in their own interest for future stability and success in becoming a prosperous and responsible nation. We call on world powers to genuinely encourage China to become a democratic state and give freedom to the Chinese, Uighur and Tibetan peoples."</p> <p>On behalf of the Uighurs, Enver Tohti, Chairman of the Uighur Association and UK representative of the World Uighur Congress, added, "The Chinese government must allow Uighurs, Tibetans and Chinese the right to self-determination, just as other peoples around the world have the right to decide their own future. This is a fundamental human right and no authority should be allowed to interfere with this."</p> <p>The event was followed by the screening of a series of documentaries on East Turkestan entitled <em>The Forgotten Nation</em>, which highlighted the plight of the Uighur People under the Chinese communist regime. In the week before the anniversary screenings of Tibetan and Chinese democracy films were held.</p> <p>Later in the evening, a vigil was held outside the Chinese Embassy to mourn and remember the people killed under the 60 years of iron-fist rule by the CCP. Poems and solidarity songs were sung by Chinese, Uighurs and Tibetans respectively. The event culminated with the popular civil rights song “We shall overcome”, sung by all those present, symbolising the solidarity between not just Chinese, Uighurs and Tibetans but all people who want to see freedom, human rights and democracy for those living under the current CCP regime.</p> <p><em>Photos by</em>: Luke Ward<br> video by: Johanna <strong><br>Notes:</strong></p> <p>(1) <em><span>CUTS UK (Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity UK) opposes the tyrannical rule of the Chinese Communist Party and upholds the values of freedom, human rights and democracy. CUTS UK is made up of the following organisations:</span></em> Chinese Solidarity Campaign, Federation for a Democratic China, Friends of Tiananmen Mothers, Students for a Free Tibet UK, Tibet Society, Tibetan Community in Britain, Tibetan Youth UK, Uighur Association, Uighur Community UK. For more information: email <a href="http://cuts.uk/">cuts.uk</a>@<a href="http://googlemail.com/">googlemail.com</a> or look for the Facebook group (search Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity UK).</p> <p>(2) <em>S<span>tatement by Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity UK on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China:</span></em></p> <p>We are a group of people from China, Tibet and East Turkestan who stand united in opposition to the tyrannical rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We share and believe in the fundamental values and principles of human rights, freedom and democracy; these principles bring us together to stand in solidarity with all those oppressed and persecuted by the rule of the CCP and to seek justice and freedom.</p> <p>During the 60 years of communist rule, the Chinese regime has perpetuated inexcusable crimes against humanity. Tens of millions of people have died from political persecution and abuse of power. The CCP has no electoral mandate, thereby it has no authority or credibility to represent China as a member of the United Nations.</p> <p>With China’s increasing global presence, the CCP’s autocratic political attitudes and actions, if unchecked, could endanger the freedom and well-being of mankind.</p> <p>Therefore, today we call on the Chinese government to end its one party autocracy by beginning democratic processes and abide by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and thereby become a responsible and respected member of the international community.</p> <p>To benefit not only those oppressed by the CCP rule in China, but for all the people of the world, we urge the international community to stand up and speak out; work to bring justice and democracy to the oppressed and help build a harmonious and stable society where universal human rights are recognised and valued.</p> <p>The world must wake up and act now!</p> <p>Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity UK</p> <p>1st October 2009</p> <p><strong><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/070/3970070_7906e209a6_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_4718"></strong></p> <p><strong><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/066/3970066_f1d5ec1531_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_4678"></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/tibetans-chinese-uighurs-in-uk-call-for-the-end-of-60-years-of-oppression-in-china-7105186/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/tibetans-chinese-uighurs-in-uk-call-for-the-end-of-60-years-of-oppression-in-china-7105186/Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:46:44 +0200 <p><span><span><span> <strong> </strong><strong> </strong><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/496/3926496_8faeeb2782_m.jpeg" alt="60yrs"><br>A series of events are being organized by the Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity UK, marking 60 years of tyrannical rule and oppression by the Chinese Communist Party.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The Coalition will be holding a protest and vigil on 1st October, the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of </span>China<span>, to call for freedom and human rights for all people in the PRC and for end to one-party autocracy.</span> There will also be three film screenings (on the 26th, 29th September and 1st October), each describing an aspect of each ethnic group's repression by the Chinese government.</p> <p> The Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity Coalition UK opposes the tyrannical rule of the Chinese Communist Party and upholds the values of freedom, human rights and democracy.<br> </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>You can also join the facebook group by searching </span></span></span><span><span><span>"Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity Coalition UK (CUTS UK)"<br></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>--------------------------<br> <strong><br></strong></span></span></span><span><span><strong>FILMS</strong><br><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong>*<br>" Cry of the Snow Lion", followed by Q&A. Refreshments will be served.<br>Date: Saturday 26th September 2009<br>Time: 4.00pm - 7.00pm (film starts at 4.30pm)<br>Location: The Kailash Centre<br>7 Newcourt Street, St Johns Wood, London <br>NW8 7AA<br> (nearest tube: St Johns Wood)<br>Details: The film "Cry of the Snow Lion" (1hr 44 mins) reveals the horrifying reality of Tibet today.</p> <p>-------------------</p> <p>"Looking for Lin Zhao's Soul", followed by Q&A.<br>Date: Tuesday 29th September 2009<br>Time: 6.00pm - 9.00pm (film starts at 6.30pm)<br>Location: RS NLT2 Lecture Theatre 1 & 2 (Old Cinema)<br> The University of Westminster, 309 Regent <br> Street, London W1B 2UW<br> (nearest tube: Oxford Circus)<br>Details: "Looking for Lin Zhao's Soul" is a 90 minute independent Chinese documentary (with English subtitles). The screening will be followed by a Q&A.</p> <p>--------------</p> <p>"The Forgotten Nation", followed by Q&A and turkish <br> refreshments!<br>Date: Thursday 1st October 2009<br>Time: 2.00pm - 5.00pm (film starts at 2.30pm)<br>Location: RS NLT2 Lecture Theatre 1 & 2 (Old Cinema)<br> The University of Westminster, 309 Regent <br> Street, London W1B 2UW<br> (nearest tube: Oxford Circus)<br>Details: "The Forgotten Nation" is a series a four short documentaries on East Turkestan (Xinjiang). The screening will be followed by a Q&A.</p> <p><strong><br>PROTEST & VIGIL</strong><br><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong>*<br>Event: Protest - End the Oppression in China!<br>Date: Thursday 1st October 2009<br>Time: 11.00am - 1.00pm<br>Location: opposite the Chinese Embassy<br> 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1J<br> (nearest tubes: Great Portland Street, Regents <br> Park or Oxford Circus)<br>Details: The Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity Coalition UK will be holding a protest to mark 60 years of tyrannical rule and oppression by the Chinese Communist Party.</p> <p>-----------------</p> <p>Vigil - Remembering the victims of 60 years of oppression in China<br>Date: Thursday 1st October 2009<br>Time: 7.00pm - 9.30pm<br>Location: opposite the Chinese Embassy<br> 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL<br> (nearest tubes: Great Portland Street, Regent<br> Park or Oxford Circus)<br>Details: The Chinese, Uighur & Tibetan Solidarity Coalition UK will be holding a candle-lit vigil.</span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/60-years-of-oppression-by-the-chinese-communist-party-freedom-human-rights-and-democracy-now-7021645/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/60-years-of-oppression-by-the-chinese-communist-party-freedom-human-rights-and-democracy-now-7021645/Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:26:35 +0200 <p> </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/638/3927638_c8a8215584_m.jpeg" alt="sft_0808beijing_crew-small1"><br><span><em>(Far left - Pete Speller)</em></span></p> <p><span><span>Having grown up with Buddhist parents, Tibet has always been part of my life. I first heard about the invasion from my parents' friend Chime Rinpoche when I was maybe 5/6 years old. As I got older I learned more about Tibet and when I heard my sister had started a campaigning group for Tibet at university it seemed the obvious next step to join. I tried to start a group at sixth form but The Man wouldn't let me in case I offended any Chinese students. So to stick two fingers up at The Man I proceeded to reference Tibet in as much of my photography work as possible (I was studying photography A-Level and our work was regularly displayed). In 2004 I travelled to Tibet with my friend from sixth-form, former SFT UK board member and Beijing Olympics action veteran Lucy Fairbrother and new board member and long time SFTer Luke Ward. At university I founded a proper SFT chapter and joined the Board in 2005. Since joining the board I have served as part of the campaigns team and as the National Coordinator. I have taken part in two major high-profile direct actions for SFT, as a tech (sexy-ninja-geek style) for the banner drop from the Great Wall in August 2007 and as a climber for the banner drop on Westminster Bridge in April 2008 as well as numerous smaller actions in the UK.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>So after 6 or 7 years as part of SFT UK, 4 of which on the Board of Directors, I find myself wondering what to say. SFT has changed my life probably in more ways than even I will ever really know and I hope that, for my part, I have helped to bring Tibet closer to freedom. Jigdal asked me to write something for the SFT blog after I wrote a fairly self-indulgent goodbye email to the SFT UK Board and the New York HQ, but that doesn't really seem right to share here. I could write about the numerous stories from my time with SFT; sitting in a service station on the M4 between Cardiff and Swansea with Namdrol Lhamo and Gyaltsen Drolkar, two of the Drapchi Nuns, thinking about how English I felt after being disgusted at the amount of salt they put in their tea. Or I could write about lying under a plastic sheet on a hill opposite the Great Wall of China soaked to the bone in the biggest thunder storm I have ever experienced with lightning hitting trees mere yards behind me surrounded by electronics Skyping with Han and Nathan in NY. But again that doesn't really seem to be right either. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Campaigning for Tibetan independence is hard work. Every day China seems bigger and more powerful than the day before. If this were a numbers game, we would lose; there are almost certainly more people just in the Chinese Communist Party than there are Tibetans and supporters in the world. But this is not a numbers game, and that's what counts. We may be small but we know how to hurt the CCP. We know where the chinks in their armor are and more importantly we know how to exploit them. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>I have yet to come across a movement with so many people willing to give up so much time and put their lives on the line in the way SFT's supporters have and will again. With this kind of support behind us I know Tibet's freedom is not an unachievable pipe-dream but an inexorable truth. Bhod Rangzen!</span></span></p> <p><span><span>SFT UK exists on a shoe-string budget and cannot continue to work without your support. Please donate  today <a href="http://www.sftuk.org/cms/Support-us">www.sftuk.org/cms/Support-us</a><cite></cite><em> </em></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/former-board-member-pete-speller-s-memories-of-sft-uk-7021547/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/former-board-member-pete-speller-s-memories-of-sft-uk-7021547/Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:47:11 +0200 <p><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/146/3770146_840ae6cee9_m.jpeg" alt="Karma 4 months and Protest 038"></span></span></p> <p><span><span><strong>London, 6^th August'09 </strong>– </span><span>Protesters gathered opposite the Chinese Embassy, braving the torrential 'summer' rain to mark the anniversary of the release of the film 'Leaving Fear Behind' (<em>Jigdrel)</em>, Tibetans and supporters protested against the imprisonment of Dhondup Wangchen. The Chinese government has charged Dhondup Wangchen, the Tibetan film-maker who made Leaving Fear Behind, of "inciting separatism," a charge which carries a severe prison sentence in China. His trail will be held in Siling in eastern Tibet (Chinese: Xining, Qinghai Province). Dhondup Wangchen's lawyers have been barred from representing him, casting serious doubt over the fairness of his trial. He has been subject to torture while in detention and is in very poor health after being brutally beaten and tortured by Chinese authorities. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Jigdel of Students for a Free Tibet UK clearly outlined the demands of the protesters - 'We demand the immediate release of Dhondup Wangchen, and that the Chinese government give fair trials to all political prisoners, so that miscarriages of justice like this do not happen.' The charges against Dhondup Wangchen follow a wave of harsh sentences carried out as part of the Chinese government's violent campaign to silence and intimidate Tibetan voices of dissent. China's crackdown against the mostly peaceful protests that spread across Tibet in March 2008 continue today, with more than 1,000 Tibetans still detained, imprisoned, or missing. As Tibetan areas remain largely closed off to foreigners and journalists, getting information out about the situation on the ground is very difficult, making it even more important that people worldwide hear the voices of Tibetans speaking in this film. </span><span> <br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Last year, two members of SFT UK unfurled banners outside the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium in Beijing, two days before the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympics. In the subsequent twelve months, China's Olympic pledge to improve it's human rights record has been exposed as an outright lie. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Please help promote the film 'Leaving Fear Behind' by organizing a screening on your campus or in your community. For more information about the film, go to: </span><span><a href="http://sftuk.org/cms/LEAVING-FEAR-BEHIND"><span><span><a href="http://sftuk.org/cms/LEAVING-FEAR-BEHIND">http://sftuk.org/cms/LEAVING-FEAR-BEHIND</a></span></span></a></span></span></p> <p><span><span><a href="http://sftuk.org/cms/LEAVING-FEAR-BEHIND"><span></span></a><br> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/145/3770145_41bedda69d_m.jpeg" alt="Karma 4 months and Protest 036"></span></span></p> <p><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/147/3770147_476057b4a9_m.jpeg" alt="Karma 4 months and Protest 039"></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/08/09/tibetans-and-supporters-in-uk-gather-outside-the-chinese-embassy-to-demand-the-immediate-release-of-dhonudp-wangchen-6686671/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/08/09/tibetans-and-supporters-in-uk-gather-outside-the-chinese-embassy-to-demand-the-immediate-release-of-dhonudp-wangchen-6686671/Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:44:59 +0200 <p>On July 5, 2009, thousands of Uighur students took to the streets of Urumchi to show their condemnation of the Chinese government’s handling of a mob attack on Uighur workers a week earlier in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, in which 18 Uighurs were killed and more than 300 were injured, and to get an answer to why the police did not show up for hours to stop the Chinese attackers.</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_PJTO2k0PM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_PJTO2k0PM</a></p> <p>Armed Chinese troops have flooded Urumchi, the capital of East Turkestan (Chinese: Xinjiang) following days of violent unrest. The situation remains incredibly tense. Chinese president Hu Jintao has vowed to "restore order" and "severely punish" Uighurs that have protested, after he returned from the G-8 Summit in Italy to oversee the intensified political and military crackdown against the Uighur people.</p> <p>Events in East Turkestan mirror what happened in Chinese-occupied Tibet last year. Chinese authorities have arrested more than 1,400 Uighurs, blocked phone lines and the internet, and launched a propaganda campaign to portray the Uighurs as the sole perpetrators of the violence.</p> <p>To condemn this injustice, the Uighur community in the UK is organizing a demonstration on Wednesday 15 July. We therefore request all freedom-loving people to join us in supporting the oppressed people in East Turkestan.</p> <p>Organisers: The Uighur UK Association<br> Date: Wednesday 15 July<br> Time: Starts at 12pm<br> Venue: Gather opposite the Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London, W1B 1JL. (Nearest underground stations: Regents Park, Great Portland St and Oxford Circus)</p> <p>Schedule:</p> <p>12pm: Gather opposite the Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London, W1B 1JL</p> <p>1pm: We march to Richmond Terrace, off of Whithall (opposite Downing Street).</p> <p>3pm: A Uighur UK Association delegation will petition the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street</p> <p>5pm: Finish</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/07/10/uk-uighurs-demonstration-in-london-join-and-stand-in-solidarity-6488406/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/07/10/uk-uighurs-demonstration-in-london-join-and-stand-in-solidarity-6488406/Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:56:55 +0200 <p><span><span><strong><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/348/3634348_adff304c0d_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_2810"></strong></span></span></p> <p><span><span><strong>LONDON, 25th June-</strong> On April 8th, 2009 the Chinese government sentenced Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak to death for their alleged involvement in the March 2008 protests in Lhasa, Tibet. A number of other Tibetans have also received harsh prison sentences, including: Tenzin Phuntsok and Kangtsuk (sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve), Dawa Sangpo (life imprisonment), and three Tibetan women in their early twenties - Penkyi (death sentence with a two-year reprieve), Penkyi (life imprisonment), and Chime Lhamo (10 years' imprisonment). </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Chinese authorities routinely deny Tibetans their basic legal rights, and these trials were not conducted in accordance with international judicial standards. The Chinese government has responded to last year's protests with extreme violence, and these convictions are part of a widespread campaign to punish and intimidate Tibetans who dare to speak out against Chinese rule. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>March and April 2008 saw the largest protests in Tibet for 50 years. A wave of protests began in Lhasa on 10 March 2008 and, since that time, more than 150 separate protests have taken place across the Tibetan Plateau, the overwhelming majority of which were non-violent in nature. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>These harsh sentences signal an alarming escalation in the Chinese government's campaign to punish and intimidate Tibetans who dare to speak out against Chinese rule. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Students For a Free Tibet, as a result , carried out a 10,000 signature petition to condemn the unfair trial and the execution of Loyak and Lobsang Gyaltsen and many tibetans alike. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>220 pages of signature petition was delivered to the Chinese Consulate in various parts of the world. In London, 15 people in white tops, symbolizing solidarity and mourning for the tibetans who have sacrificed their lives so far and contnue to suffer under the brutal chinsese regime, delivered the petition to the Chinese Embassy.</span></span></p> <p><span><span><em>Photos by: </em>Sheep<br></span></span></p> <p><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/352/3634352_62b3667986_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_2815"></span></span></p> <p><span><span></p> <p></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/27/10-000-people-petition-against-death-sentences-in-tibet-6405099/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/27/10-000-people-petition-against-death-sentences-in-tibet-6405099/Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:36:53 +0200 <p><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/891/3631891_5ef2526e2b_m.jpeg" alt="missingliuxiabo" width="339" height="412"></span></span></p> <p><span><span>All Tibetans and Tibet Supporters are called upon to sign an important petition demanding the release of Liu Xiaobo who was formally arrested by the Chinese government on 23rd June 2009.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>In 1996, Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to three years in labour camp for writing a joint letter addressed to China’s President Jiang Zemin supporting Tibetan self-determination and also calling for dialogue with the Dalai Lama. He was the first Chinese person to be sentenced for speaking up for Tibet.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Liu Xiaobo was a crucial figure behind 2008’s “Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation”, an open letter written and signed by prominent Chinese intellectuals in support of Tibetans.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Tibetan writer Woeser has posted news about a petition for Liu Xiaobo on her blog alongside photos of an action carried out by young Tibetan activists in London earlier this year highlighting “Silenced Voices”. Read the blogpost and see the photos here:<br><a href="http://woeser.middle-way.net/2009/06/blog-post_6000.html"><a href="http://woeser.middle-way.net/2009/06/blog-post_6000.html">http://woeser.middle-way.net/2009/06/blog-post_6000.html</a></a></span></span></p> <p><span><span>Sign the petition here: <a href="http://is.gd/1efvd"><a href="http://is.gd/1efvd">http://is.gd/1efvd</a></a></span></span></p> <p><span><span>There are three boxes to fill out:</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Name:</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Place:</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Nationality:</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Supporting Liu Xiaobo means supporting truth and justice in China today.  SIGN THE PETITION!</span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/26/appeal-to-all-tibetans-and-tibet-supporters-to-sign-petition-in-support-of-chinese-dissident-liu-xiaobo-6397364/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/26/appeal-to-all-tibetans-and-tibet-supporters-to-sign-petition-in-support-of-chinese-dissident-liu-xiaobo-6397364/Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:13:25 +0200 <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/399/3627399_dd0a71380d_m.jpeg" alt="letter" width="474" height="319"></p> <p><span><span><strong>London, June 24^th '09</strong>– Whilst thousands of people today around the world are expressing their concerns about Continental Minerals' mining operations at Shethongmon [Ch: Xietongmen] in central Tibet, Students For a Free Tibet UK in the narrow streets of Dowgate Hill made a similar stand outside the Standard Bank Plc. Tibet is on the front line of climate change. A unique environment that was protected and treasured for thousands of years by the Tibetan people is now under threat by the Chinese regime that illegally and brutally occupy Tibet, and by the involvement and investment of international corporations. Tibet’s mineral wealth is being exploited, for the profit of the Chinese authorities and at the expense of Tibetans who are given no say over what happens to their land, and who are crushed with military force when they attempt to protest.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Standard Bank Plc is one of the major shareholders of Continental Minerals. Along with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Standard Bank Plc, invested in Continental Minerals Shethongmon [Ch: Xietongmen] Copper-Gold mining project in central Tibet on 25^th August, 2008.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>“Today when Continental Minerals is having their AGM Meeting with its shareholders, we call upon Standard Bank to withdraw its investment in Continental Minerals Corp” said Tenzin Jigdal, spokesperson for Students for a Free Tibet UK, “It is unconscionable that Continental Minerals continue to operate in Tibet at a time when the Chinese government is violently suppressing the Tibetan people's desire for human rights and freedom. As a signatory to the “Equator Principles” which ensures socially responsible and sound environmental management practices in any projects undertaken, Standard Bank must withdraw its investment from Continental Minerals.”</span></span></p> <p><span><span>However not long before the final distribution of the flyers and open letters, disproportionate numbers of police arrived only to interrogate the three Tibetans distributing the flyers. But eventually it all turned out amicable and friendly. Moreover, Jenny Knott, one of the board members, was kind enough to meet the Tibetans to hear their concerns and accept the letter of concern to the Standard Bank Chief executive Officer Mr. Rob Leith. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Last year in March, Tibetans across Tibet rose up in a popular uprising against Chinese rule with more than 130 protests recorded. Chinese authorities responded by flooding Tibet with troops and used extreme violence to quell the unrest. More than 220 people were killed, thousands were detained, and more than 1,000 Tibetans remain missing. Despite the crackdown, protests continue today in Tibet and the situation on the ground remains incredibly tense and unstable. Further unrest and bloodshed is likely.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Mining in Tibet ­– like in any conflict zone – threatens the reputation of investors. The Dalai Lama recently described Tibet under Chinese rule as a “hell on earth.” Tibetans are in no position to exercise their free, prior, and informed consent for the exploitation of their natural resources. Minerals obtained from mining in Tibet are shipped to the east coast of China to feed the growing Chinese economy, offering few, if any, financial benefits to local Tibetans. Virtually all jobs in Tibetan mines go to Chinese migrants, even unskilled manual labour positions, excluding the high number of unemployed local Tibetans. China Labour Bulletin, Human Rights Watch and various other NGOs have repeatedly highlighted the use of forced-labour prisoners as miners.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>There are serious concerns about the environmental impacts of mining in Tibet, such as the contamination of soil and water by arsenic or cyanide, which could seriously affect local farmers and communities further down stream in Asia. Tibet is the source of all of Asia’s major rivers. Under the Chinese occupation, Tibetans are denied the right to decide how their resources are used and may be forcibly removed from their land, without compensation, to make way for mines.<br> </span></span><br><span><span> <strong>STUDENTS FOR A FREE TIBET UK ARE</strong></span></span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/400/3627400_bf1abe3b98_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_2794" width="197" height="296"><span><span><strong> ASKING STANDARD BANK TO ACT.</strong></span></span></p> <p><span><span><em> Photos by:</em> Luke Ward<strong><br></strong></span></span></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/403/3627403_0e0947be72_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_2798" width="288" height="226"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span><span><strong><br></strong></span></span></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/402/3627402_826dc0dc3b_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_2804" width="427" height="285"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/24/standard-bank-lacks-moral-standards-when-it-comes-to-tibet-6383767/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/24/standard-bank-lacks-moral-standards-when-it-comes-to-tibet-6383767/Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:25:31 +0200 <p>LONDON - A military delegation comprised of People's Liberation Army (PLA) generals is visiting the UK this week with their schedule centred around parliamentary engagements. The delegation, headed by Lt General Zhao Gang who is Vice President of Beijing's National Defence University, met with the Defence Committee and part of their agenda is to discuss 'military reform', Students for a Free Tibet UK has learned. The visit comes at a time when areas of Tibet remain under tight military control and a year on from well documented instances of mass demonstrations by Tibetans being dispersed by indiscriminate gunfire by PLA soldiers. During the visit, news has emerged from Tibet of another instance of gunfire being used to suppress protest, as a violent crackdown against a Tibetan farming boycott in the Chamdo area led to a demonstrator named Tsering being shot. The severity of Tsering's injuries are unknown at the time of writing.</p> <p>In May 2009 Tsewang Dhondup and his brother escaped into exile having been involved in last year's demonstrations. Tsewang, himself shot and seriously injured by the Chinese military whilst helping a wounded monk, has given testimony detailing the lethal force used by the PLA against demonstrators in Dragko County on 24 March 2008. Tsewang stated: “Around 4:30 pm on March 24, a massive protest demonstration led by around 150 nuns from Ngangong Nunnery broke out in Dragko. Several more monks from Palden Chokri and hundreds of lay people, mainly farmers later joined the march." Tsewang spoke of how Chinese forces "indiscriminately opened fire on the demonstrators, shelled tear gas and used electric prods and iron batons to quell the protest.”</p> <p>"This delegation is visiting shortly after the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, and it is important to emphasise that two decades later PLA generals are just as willing to order the shooting of unarmed peaceful protesters," said Terry Bettger, spokesperson for Students for a Free Tibet UK, "Over the past 15 months excessive and lethal force has been meted out against Tibetans by PLA forces simply because they called out for their fundamental human rights and freedoms. Students for a Free Tibet UK call upon British parliamentarians to make strong representations to the PLA delegation condemning such actions and demanding serious military reform to prevent such atrocities occurring in the future."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/19/pla-generals-visit-uk-parliament-6339420/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/19/pla-generals-visit-uk-parliament-6339420/Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:14:01 +0200 <p>We are looking for more campaigners to join the SFT UK board to lead and<br> develop student Tibet campaigning in the UK.</p> <p>SFT UK is a network of young people in the UK campaigning for a free and<br> independent Tibet. We have an elected board of ten members who support and<br> foster this network. Through grassroots training, campaigns and a skills base<br> of experienced campaigners the board enables the SFT UK network of University<br> groups across the UK to campaign effectively.</p> <p>If you have had experience campaigning for Tibet in the past and want to be a<br> greater part of the Tibetan Movement over the next two years visit<br> <a href="http://sftuk.org/cms/election2009">www.sftuk.org/cms/election2009</a> for more details of what's involved and how to apply.</p> <p>We hope to hear from you! The deadline for applications is soon, midnight June<br> 30th 2009.</p> <p>Contact <a href="mailto:Iain@sftuk.org">Iain@sftuk.org</a> or visit the website for <a href="http://sftuk.org/cms/election2009">more information</a> and the<br> application form.</p> <p>SFT UK is evolving, don’t miss out,<br> Iain Thom - UK Board Elections Committee</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/join-the-students-for-a-free-tibet-uk-board-6329701/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/join-the-students-for-a-free-tibet-uk-board-6329701/Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:59:41 +0200 <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/582/3449582_ab7856fb90_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_2324" hspace="5" vspace="5"></p> <p><strong>London, April 25</strong> – 20 years ago, in 1995, the Dalai Lama recognized Gendun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. Days later, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was kidnapped along with his family by the Chinese government. Only six years old at the time, he was then the world's youngest prisoner of conscience. He has not been seen nor heard from since. The Chinese government continues to insist that it has the right to appoint Tibtan Lamas, and says it's nomination, Gyaltsen Norbu is the true 11th Panchen Lama. However, Tibetans inside and outside Tibet view him as little more than a puppet for Communist propaganda. The Chinese government maintains that Gedghun Choekyi Nyima does not wish to be disturbed by the outside world, and repeatedly denies foreign human rights organisations access to him and his family. Today Tibetans everywhere deeply mourn his absence as they observe his 20th birthday. In London, Tibetans and supporters gathered for a vigil opposite the Chinese embassy. People sang 'Happy Birthday' wishing for the well-being of Panchen Lama. Birthday cards were dropped into the letter box of the Chinese embassy. Prayers and a minute silence were followed for the long life of Panchen lama and to remember the brave Tibetans who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.</p> <p><em>report and pictures by</em>: Luke Ward</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/581/3449581_fb7054b380_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_2305" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br>(Birthday Cards for the Panchen Lama)</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/583/3449583_05cb65ed62_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_2340" hspace="5" vspace="5"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/27/tibetans-in-london-mark-missing-xith-panchen-lama-s-20th-birthday-6013794/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/27/tibetans-in-london-mark-missing-xith-panchen-lama-s-20th-birthday-6013794/Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:08:07 +0200 <p><span><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/359/3432359_2ff2985d7b_m.jpeg" alt="3" hspace="5" vspace="5"></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><strong>London, 20 April'09</strong> - Tibetans and supporters gathered outside the Chinese Embassy in London to protest against the death sentences given to two Tibetans by the Chinese government. In the next few days, these cases will be put to China’s Supreme People's Court for review, as with all capital punishment cases, and UK based Tibetans and supporters took the opportunity to send a strong message to the Chinese government. To a backdrop of chanted slogans, Tibetans used political theatre to depict the torture and execution of Tibetans. In explanation, Tenzin Jigdal, spokesperson for SFTUK, commented that 'The Chinese government has sentenced two Tibetans to death for rising up against foreign occupation. These sentences are part of the Chinese authorities drive to punish and silence any Tibetan who speaks out against the Chinese occupation. It is vital that we put pressure on our governments and the Chinese government to halt these unjust executions.'</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>On 8^th April the Lhasa Municipal Intermediate People's Court sentenced Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak to death for their supposed involvement in the protests in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital in March 2008. Phuntsok and Kangtsuk, were also sentenced to death but with a two year reprieve, and Dawa Sangpo was sentenced to life imprisonment for what the Chinese state media described as “arson cases that left seven people dead and five shops burned to the ground in Lhasa”. Little is known about the welfare of the sentenced Tibetans, and it is unclear if they will appeal on their sentences. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>These are the first officially reported death sentences following the March 14 violence in Lhasa, in which the Chinese government claims 22 people were killed, whilst the Tibetan-exile government claims more than 200 Tibetans were killed by the Chinese forces in the subsequent crackdown. According to Amnesty International, following last years protests, the Chinese Government 76 people had been sentenced - ranging from three years fixed term imprisonment to life imprisonment- in relation to last year's protests. The majority were sentenced for crimes described as “arson, looting, picking quarrels and provoking troubles, assembling a crowd to storm state organs, disrupting public service, theft, espionage and unlawfully providing ‘intelligence’ to an organization or individual outside of China”. However, over 1,000 people were detained in connection with the protests in March 2008 remain unaccounted for according to the United States Commission on China, meaning many more await sentencing. Meanwhile, the situation throughout Tibet remains tense, with Tibetans under constant surveillance from a huge Chinese military presence.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Having failed to follow through it's Olympic commitment to imrprove human rights in China, the Chinese government has faced mounting criticism for it's human rights abuses and lack of judicial transparency. "The Chinese government has refused every external request for a real accounting of the detention, arrest and sentencing of those involved with the Tibetan protests," said Sophie Richardson, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. "Both the arrests and the releases seem to have been arbitrary, and we still know next to nothing about those who are still detained or have been imprisoned."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups: Tibet Society, Students for a Free Tibet UK, Tibetan Community in Britain, Free Tibet Campaign and Tibetan Youth UK are calling on Tibetans, supporters and people of conscience to take various measures to demand a halt to these executions and an independent inquiry into the cases. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>You can do this by:</span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol> <li> <p><span><span><em><span><span>Writing to your local MP</span></span></em></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>- To find out who your local MP is, go to: <a href="http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/"><a href="http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/">http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/</a></a><br>- Sample letter available at: <a href="http://sftuk.org/cms/Death-Sentence-Urgent-04/09"><a href="http://sftuk.org/cms/Death-Sentence-Urgent-04/09">http://sftuk.org/cms/Death-Sentence-Urgent-04/09</a></a> </span></span></span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span><span><em><span><span>Contact the Chinese government directly</span></span></em></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><strong>Online:</strong></span><span> <a href="http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/stoptheexecutions?qp_source=an1"><a href="http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/stoptheexecutions?qp_source=an1">http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/stoptheexecutions?qp_source=an1</a></a><strong></p> <p>In the UK:</strong><br>Chinese Ambassador: Madam Fu Ying <br></span><span>Chinese Embassy Address: 49-51 Portland Place London W1B 1JL<br></span><span>Tel: 020-72994049</p> <p><strong>In China:</strong><br>Minister of Justice: Wu Aiying <br>No.10 Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang District <br>Beijing 100020, China <br>Tel:+86 10 8313 9065 <br>Tel:+86 10 6520 6706<br>Fax: +86 10 8313 9051 </span><span>Fax: +86 10 6529 2345</span></span></span></span></p> </li> </ol> <p><i>Photos & Report by:</i> Luke Ward</p> <p><span><span></span></span><span><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/358/3432358_0509eb3bb3_m.jpeg" alt="2" hspace="5" vspace="5"></span></span></span><span><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/360/3432360_8931a8c87f_m.jpeg" alt="4" hspace="5" vspace="5"></span></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/21/protesters-in-london-demand-justice-for-death-sentenced-tibetans-5980899/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/21/protesters-in-london-demand-justice-for-death-sentenced-tibetans-5980899/Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:45:03 +0200 <p>On April 8th, China sentenced two Tibetans, Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak, to death for their alleged involvement in last year's protests in Lhasa. Two others, Phuntsok and Kangtsuk, were also sentenced to death but with a two year reprieve, and Dawa Sangpo was sentenced to life imprisonment.</p> <p>March and April 2008 saw the largest protests in Tibet for 50 years. A wave of protests began in Lhasa on 10 March 2008 and, since that time, more than 150 separate protests have taken place across the Tibetan Plateau, the overwhelming majority of which were non-violent in nature.</p> <p>These harsh sentences signal an alarming escalation in the Chinese government's campaign to punish and intimidate Tibetans who dare to speak out against Chinese rule.</p> <p>Please help us stop the executions! <a href="http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/stoptheexecutions?qp_source=an1">CLICK HERE</a> to send a letter to the Chinese government calling for an immediate stay of execution.</p> <p><strong>What's At Stake?</strong></p> <p>According to a report issued today by Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency, Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak were charged with "starting fatal fires" in Lhasa. Tenzin Phuntsok, Kangtsuk, and Dawa Sangpo were also charged with arson. The Xinhua report does not give any details of the evidence presented against these five individuals.</p> <p><a href="http://www.tchrd.org/press/2009/pr20090408.html">Read the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights & Democracy's condemnation of the sentences.</a></p> <p>In addition to sending a letter, please call the Chinese authorities to demand a halt to these executions and an independent inquiry into the cases. Please note that China and Tibet are 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.</p> <p>You can also print and fax or mail your letter to the address below.</p> <p>BEIJING:</p> <p>Ministry of Justice<br> Minister: Wu Aiying<br> No.10 Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang District<br> Beijing 100020, China<br> Tel: +86 10 8313 9065<br> Tel: +86 10 6520 6706<br> Fax: +86 10 8313 9051<br> Fax: +86 10 6529 2345</p> <p>Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br> Minister: Yang Jiechi<br> No. 2 Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang District<br> Beijing 100701, China<br> Tel: +86 10 6596 1114<br> Tel: +86 10 6596 3100</p> <p>Supreme People's Procuratorate<br> Tel: +86 10 6525 2000<br> Tel: +86 10 6559 2000</p> <p>LHASA:</p> <p>Secretary of the Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)<br> Tel: +86 89 1632 5889</p> <p>TAR People's Government<br> Tel: +86 89 1633 2067</p> <p>TAR People's Congress<br> Tel: +86 89 1683 2423 </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/09/china-stop-the-executions-5913653/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/09/china-stop-the-executions-5913653/Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:43:07 +0200 <p><span><span><strong><span>Tibetans, pro-democracy Chinese and Burmese in London united in condemnation of Hu Jintao</span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span> </span><span> </span></span></span></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/885/3376885_609beafde7_m.jpeg" alt="protest 1" hspace="5" vspace="5"></p> <p> </p> <p><span><span><span>From Tibetan Community in </span><span>Britain</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>[</span><span>London</span><span> </span><span>02 April 2009</span><span>] </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span> </span><span> </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span> </span><span> </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Chinese President Hu Jintao’s arrival in </span><span>London</span><span> for the G20 Summit triggered a series of peaceful protests outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, where he was staying.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span> </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>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 </span><span>China</span><span>’s repressive policies in </span><span>Tibet</span><span>. 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.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span> </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Phurbu Rinzin from Tibetan Community in </span><span>Britain</span><span> said, “We have taken these actions to remind Mr Hu Jintao of the deep pain Tibetans continue to suffer under </span><span>China</span><span>’s wrong and repressive policies in </span><span>Tibet</span><span>.” </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>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 </span><span>Tibet</span><span> with Chinese President Hu Jintao and call for an end to his government’s violent repression of the Tibetan people.” </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>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 </span><span>China</span><span> and the right to the self-determination of Tibetan people.” He also called for democracy in </span><span>China</span><span> and justice for Tiananmen victims.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Prince Charles has reportedly raised </span><span>Tibet</span><span> with Hu Jintao when loud protest continued outside the hotel. Tibetan National Anthem fittingly concluded the protest against Hu Jintao in </span><span>London</span><span>.</p> <p></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></p> <p></span></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/03/g20-summit-hu-jintao-marred-by-tibet-protests-5882949/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/03/g20-summit-hu-jintao-marred-by-tibet-protests-5882949/Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:18:22 +0200 <p>LONDON - Students for a Free Tibet UK have published an open letter to world leaders attending the G20 Summit in London on April 2nd, asking 'What is the exchange rate between Chinese Yuan and Tibetan lives?' The letter, framed in economic language, seeks to highlight the fact that trade itself funds state oppression, resulting in the Chinese regime's 'extraordinary growth in human rights abuses' and states directly to world leaders: 'The choice is yours; the G20 summit is an opportunity to invest in a portfolio of Chinese human rights abuses. It is also an opportunity to seek an ethical alternative. People of conscience, the world over, are asking you to put human rights before trade.'</p> <p>"There is another crisis, aside from global economics, which the world expects the Chinese government to take action on, and that is the human rights crisis in Tibet." said Terry Bettger, spokesperson for Students for a Free Tibet UK, "Despite de facto martial law existing<br> in the region Tibetans continue to strive to call for their rights and justice. World leaders must listen to this cry for help and press Hu Jintao to allow an independent investigation into Tibet to monitor the human rights situation immediately."</p> <p>The full text of the open letter is as follows:</p> <p><strong>Dear World Leader,</p> <p>Welcome to this very special opportunity to invest in the Chinese government, here at the G20 Summit. As a major investor you can share in the unprecedented oppression boom that has seen the Chinese government build an absolute advantage over other repressive regimes. Successive Chinese leaders have overseen extraordinary growth in human rights abuses. Productivity in this area has been particularly evident in Tibet.</p> <p>Since the hostile takeover of 1959 the Chinese government has seen its investment in prisons and labour camps forge an unprecedented output in torture against Tibetan political prisoners, described in 2008 as ‘routine and widespread’ by the UN Committee Against Torture. Military expenditure, up 14.9% this year has doubled over the last decade and helps to enforce the steady incline in Gross Domestic Oppression (GDO) against the Tibetan people. This may be referred to as an ‘internal affair’ by the Chinese leadership, but foreign investment is central to maintaining growth in oppressing the Tibetans and maintaining market stability.</p> <p>Huge assets in the form of lumber, minerals and fossil fuels have been acquired as a result of China’s takeover of Tibet, and the investment in transport infrastructure, particularly the Gormo-Lhasa railway line, has streamlined the transportation of these assets out of Tibet to the benefit of the Chinese economy. This industry has created thousands of jobs, the vast majority employing the migrant Han Chinese workers flooding Tibet at the expense of Tibetans.<br> Training programs for locals in the form of patriotic re-education are systematic means of promoting ideology to the local Tibetan populous, and although recognised as a form of psychological torture, works well as part of a policy that also involves arbitrary detention, communications censorship and indiscriminate gunfire against those who demand better conditions.</p> <p>Despite these measures however, and the aggressive use of propaganda marketing, the Chinese government have seen continued deflation in the appeal of their product in the Tibetan market and have not been able to acquire the assets of the unique Tibetan identity and culture. The Dalai Lama holds a monopoly on the hearts of the Tibetan people.</p> <p>As an investor, you can fund further expansion of terror and oppression against Tibetans, aggressive marketing campaigns such as ‘Serf Emancipation Day’ and propaganda offensives against the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile. You can fund the increasing influx of Han Chinese into Tibet, steadily making Tibetans a minority in their own land. You can fund the use of torture and disproportionate including lethal force against Tibetans who speak out against their occupiers.</p> <p>The choice is yours; the G20 summit is an opportunity to invest in a portfolio of Chinese human rights abuses. It is also an opportunity to seek an ethical alternative. People of conscience, the world over, are asking you to put human rights before trade. The global financial crisis cannot be solved by overlooking the human rights crisis in Tibet, so please ask yourself: what is the exchange rate between Chinese Yuan and Tibetan lives?</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Students for a Free Tibet UK</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/01/students-for-a-free-tibet-uk-publish-open-letter-to-g-20-leaders-5869120/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/04/01/students-for-a-free-tibet-uk-publish-open-letter-to-g-20-leaders-5869120/Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:15:39 +0200 <p><strong>London, 27th March'09:</strong> Tibet Society staged a non-voilent protest outside the chinese embasssy in ahead of China's so called Serf Emancipation Day. Protesters handcuffed themselves with gags at the backdrop of a banner reading 50 yrs of Oppression, 50 yrs of Resistance.</p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/30/tibet-society-protest-non-voilently-against-china-s-propaganda-serf-emancipation-day-5862511/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/30/tibet-society-protest-non-voilently-against-china-s-propaganda-serf-emancipation-day-5862511/Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:55:00 +0200 <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/381/3366381_17186ebd1a_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_1463" hspace="5" vspace="5"></p> <p><span><span><strong>28th March 2009, LONDON</strong> &ndash; Refusing the Chinese governments latest mass propaganda campaign of the introduction of a new national holiday called &ldquo;Serf Emancipation Day&rdquo; to be held annually in Tibet on the 28th of March, a coalition of young Tibetans and their supporters staged an extravagant protest in front of the Chinese Embassy this morning. Protesters were celebrating the &ldquo;Smurf Emancipation Day&rdquo;, dressed as smurfs, wearing smurf masks, shouting slogans such as &ldquo;Smurfs don't need no re-education&rdquo; and reading out the official blue Gargamel paper 17 points agreement.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>A Smurf, who wore a mask and cannot be named to protect his identity, said:<br> &ldquo;For centuries, us Smurfs lived harmoniously in our village, picking smurfberries and smurfing happily all day long. Then Chairman Gargamel took our village and began to destroy our happy, smurfy culture. Smurf Emancipation Day is a joke; Smurfs want our freedom!&rdquo;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Through creative and original campaigning, the Smurf Emancipation Day is drawing attention to the serious and critical situation in Tibet. It exposes the ridiculous lengths that China resorts to in order to legitimise its illegal occupation of Tibet. Their joke on history does not deserve to be taken seriously but provokes to be subverted. The more China tries to re-write history, the more China forces their propaganda on Tibetans, their own people and the outside world, the more this will ultimately backfire on them. They will never win the hearts of Tibetans.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>In London at the G20 meeting world leaders are discussing the current financial crisis and possibly enhancing China's bargaining power in monetary based decisions it is important that we do not let the Serf Emancipation Day unnoticed.</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><strong>The Smurfs have not really been Emancipated. Neither have Tibetans.</strong></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span>After fifty years of peaceful resistance in Tibet, the Chinese Government is still so fearful of Tibetan protests that it feels the need to create a national holiday in a desperate attempt to rewrite history. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>&lsquo;Serf Emancipation Day&rsquo; is a propaganda exercise designed to portray Tibet as a place saved from a brutal dictatorship when in fact the opposite is the case. In 1950, 40,000 Chinese soldiers invaded Tibet, a country roughly the size of Western Europe, intent on exploiting its vast natural resources and gaining a strategic foothold in the region. During the Tibetan Uprising of 1959, an estimated 26,000 innocent Tibetan men, women and children were killed by the vast Chinese army, and their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, was forced into exile.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Since then, the Chinese Government have ruled Tibet with an iron fist, stripping the country of its resources while jailing and torturing any Tibetans who speak up to demand their freedom. China sidesteps questions about human rights from Governments, journalists and the United Nations by claiming that Tibetans lived as &lsquo;serfs&rsquo; prior to the invasion, and that Tibetans now benefit from the industrial and economic might of China.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>But in reality, Tibetans are still being denied their basic human rights as China floods Tibet with troops in an attempt to deter dissent. 2008 saw the biggest uprising in Tibet for fifty years, as over one hundred peaceful protests spread across Tibet, involving thousands of people. These protests were met with a brutal crackdown; the indiscriminate killing of Tibetans of all ages designed to scare them into keeping silent about their rights and freedoms.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>In 2009, thousands of protesters have again protested against Chinese rule in Tibet, but the media blackout imposed by the Chinese authorities has prevented many of these protests being seen by the world&rsquo;s media. Eyewitness testimony and rare photos and videos from Tibet confirm that thousands have been detained under the &lsquo;Strike Hard&rsquo; campaign, with Tibetans getting life sentences simply for sending email to the outside world.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>&lsquo;Serf Emancipation Day&rsquo; is just another cynical attempt by the Chinese Government to create a smokescreen obscuring what is really happening to the Tibetan people and their ancient, unique and peaceful culture</span></span></p> <p><span><span>If Tibetans really were emancipated, it would be easy for the Chinese Government to show this; they could simply allow foreign visitors, journalists and United Nations observers into Tibet. The fact that to this day they deny independent observers access to Tibet underlines the obvious question:<strong>What are they so desperate to hide?</strong></span></span></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/380/3366380_58cb1f8cf3_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_1561" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="263" height="393"></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/30/smurf-emancipation-day-a-response-to-china-s-propaganda-5859483/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/30/smurf-emancipation-day-a-response-to-china-s-propaganda-5859483/Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:03:32 +0200 <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/26/ven-palden-gyatso-la-speaks-on-the-serf-emancipation-day-5839059/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/26/ven-palden-gyatso-la-speaks-on-the-serf-emancipation-day-5839059/Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:46:54 +0100 <p><span><span><strong><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/114/3309114_27366da79c_m.jpeg" alt="L1" hspace="5" vspace="5"></strong></span></span></p> <p><span><span><strong>LONDON,</strong> 10^th March &lsquo;09 &ndash; Hundreds of Tibetans and their supporters converged upon Parliament Square and in the Houses of Parliament today from 2 p.m. to urge that the British government takes decisive action to monitor the increasing build up of Chinese military forces and human rights situation inside Tibet. The mass lobby, organised by a coalition of UK Tibet organisations (1), and Parliament Square protest marks the 50th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising and the one-year anniversary of the widespread protests that swept Tibet last year. The action is part of an international day of protest at major cities across the world.</p> <p> China has moved thousands of soldiers and paramilitary police into Tibet in recent weeks, using overwhelming force to try to intimidate and suppress Tibetans as March 10th approaches. Campaigners say that China&rsquo;s ongoing crackdown in Tibet over the past year demands a strong response from the UK government to pressure the Chinese leadership. "Gordon Brown and David Miliband must apply pressure on the Chinese government to ensure that military force is not used against those Tibetans who call for their rights and freedoms," said Terry Bettger of Students for a Free Tibet UK, adding: "It's imperative that the Chinese leadership allow free access to all areas of Tibet to the foreign media and international human rights observers. Tibetans are living in fear of lethal force from Chinese soldiers if they dare to speak out, they desperately need world leaders with the moral courage to advocate for their safety."<em></p> <p> Photos by: </em>Luke Ward</span></span><em><span><span></p> <p> Notes to Editor:</span></span></em></p> <p><span><span>(1) The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups consists of Students for a Free Tibet UK, Tibet Society, Tibetan Community in Britain, Free Tibet and Tibetan Youth UK</span></span></p> <p><span><span><strong><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/115/3309115_e550e873a3_m.jpeg" alt="L2" hspace="5" vspace="5"></strong></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/11/mass-lobby-for-tibet-in-the-house-of-parliament-5736806/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/11/mass-lobby-for-tibet-in-the-house-of-parliament-5736806/Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:31:25 +0100 <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/009/3307009_01b5f1a36a_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_1285" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br>LONDON - Marking 50 years of the peaceful Tibetan struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms, a group of young Tibetans staged a small "die-in" protest in the heart of London's Chinatown today. 6 Tibetans lay on the ground for several minutes, each one holding a "MISSING" poster of a recent Tibetan or Chinese victim of Beijing's repressive policies towards those who speak out on the Tibet issue.</p> <p> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>"With this protest today, we are showing how even after 50 years, China is still brutally silencing the voices of innocent Tibetan people, and even it's own people", said Tenzin Jigdal, representing the group Students for a Free Tibet. "We, as young Tibetans, feel so united with our brothers and sisters in Tibet at this crucial time and we share their pain. Here, in our adopted hometown of London, we want to depict the reality of what it means to be a Tibetan in Tibet today and we ask for the sympathy and support of all Chinese people."</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>The Tibetan MISSING cases highlighted by the protest are Paljor Norbu, an 81 year old Tibetan printer from Lhasa who was sentenced to 7 years in prison for unknown reasons in a secret trial, Norzin Wangmo, a Tibetan government worker sentenced to 5 years in prison for passing on news "through phone and internet about the situation in Tibet to the outside word", Dhondup Wangchen, a 34 year old Tibetan amateur filmmaker whose current status is unknown and Tapey, a monk who self-immolated on 27th February 2009 and whose current status is also unknown. The Chinese MISSING cases are Liu Xiaobo and Hu Jia, both Chinese human rights activists who have been vocal in their support of Tibet and are both currently in some form of detention.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>"These 6 cases make me feel immensely sad about the plight of both Tibetan and Chinese people who are not free to speak out", continued Tenzin Jigdal, "The Chinese government needs to respect Tibetans and their wishes as well as those of their own people and listen to their voices instead of detaining and imprisoning them. We demand to know the fate of these 6 individuals and indeed all the Tibetans and Chinese who have gone missing in the last year."</span></span></p> <p><em>Photos: Luke Ward and Tom Swain</em></p> <p><span><strong>photo captions:</strong></span><br>    <em> protesters performing a die-in<br>     protesters holding missing posters of chinese and tibetan dissidents</em></p> <p><em><br> </em><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/007/3307007_8c57af491c_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_0263" hspace="5" vspace="5"></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/008/3307008_972bd833ea_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_1283" hspace="5" vspace="5"><br> </span></span><span><span><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/010/3307010_356bb67582_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_1306" hspace="5" vspace="5"></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/10/tibet-50-years-of-silenced-voices-young-tibetans-in-the-uk-stage-a-peaceful-protest-in-london-s-chinatown-5732163/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/10/tibet-50-years-of-silenced-voices-young-tibetans-in-the-uk-stage-a-peaceful-protest-in-london-s-chinatown-5732163/Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:17:48 +0100 <p>MSPs, Edinburgh residents, Tibetans and students all congregated outside St John's Church on Edinburgh's main shopping street for the opening of a new mural this Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day.</p> <p>The mural depicts a Tibetan Monk being shot for calling 'Free Tibet'. Last year a similar mural depicting a monk in Tiananmen square was defaced with a spray can. The painting marks 50 years since the Dalai Lama was forced into exile and one year since the unrest and crackdown in Tibet in March last year.</p> <p>Iain Thom, Edinburgh resident and board member of Students for a Free Tibet UK who hit the headlines before the Beijing Olympics by scaling a floodlight outside the Bird's Nest stadium and unfurling a pro-Tibet banner, will be present and said,</p> <p>“Last March we saw a brutal crackdown by the authorities in Tibet. This March marks 50 years of resistance and struggle for Tibetans. We want our politicians to take a stand and call on the Chinese Government to stop the violence against peaceful protest and allow an independent UN delegation into Tibet.”</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img_3598/3302150" title="IMG_3598"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/150/3302150_e11d494d05_m.jpeg" alt="IMG_3598" align="right" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a>Mike Pringle MSP said, “Tibetans have been fighting for their freedom for 50 years. I sincerely hope that Gordon Brown managed to talk about Tibet and human rights with Barack Obama at his meeting this week.”</p> <p>This event is timed to mark 'Tibetan Uprising Day' which remembers March 10th 1959 when thousands of Tibetans took to the streets of the capital Lhasa to protest the invasion of their country by China. Within weeks, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government escaped to safety exile in India and thousands of Tibetans were killed in the aftermath of the Uprising. This year is the 50th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day and the one year anniversary of last years protests and uprising.</p> <p>News coverage: <a href="http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Mural-marks-anniversary-of-Tibetan.5046465.jp">http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Mural-marks-anniversary-of-Tibetan.5046465.jp</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/edinburgh-m10-5721681/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/edinburgh-m10-5721681/Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:46:50 +0100 <p><span><span><img src="http://www.phayul.com/images/news/articles/090308014807NT.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433"></span></span></p> <p><span><span><strong>LONDON</strong> – Several hundred Tibetans and their supporters turned out to mark Tuesday’s 50th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising as concern about the huge military build-up of Chinese forces in Tibet deepens. The march began at the Chinese embassy with a packed rally at Trafalgar Square hosted by the Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups (1).</span></span></p> <span><span>Linking half a century ago with the present day former political prisoner Palden Gyatso addressed the crowd to speak of the 33 years he spent imprisoned by the Chinese authorities for peaceful protests in 1959. Various UK Coalition representatives spoke of the plight of the Tibetan people living in an ever-increasing climate of fear. During a passionate speech Tenzin Jigdal of Students for a Free Tibet UK said of the Tibetans inside Tibet and those in exile ‘We may not be able to sing the National Anthem together today, but one day we will!’ Shao Jiang, a dissident who was a witness to the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 said ‘The determination and persistence of the Tibetan people over so many years has moved and inspired many Chinese to fight for our own freedom.’ Shao added ‘Yes, Tibet will be free. China will be free.’ </span></span> <span><span><br>In an emotional moment as a gong was struck 50 Tibetans fell down as if dead in memory of those killed by the Chinese government since 1959. This was followed by a forceful ‘Uprising Song’ to which the prostrated Tibetans rose to their feet, each holding aloft the Tibetan flag.<br></span></span> <span><span><br>The show of solidarity comes at a time when Tibetans in Tibet continue their struggle against Chinese government oppression. The recent ‘No Losar’ movement has seen a swift harsh crackdown amidst a vastly increased military build-up on the Tibetan plateau. Despite the risks posed to any Tibetan speaking out against Chinese rule thousands continue to do so. One recent example is the boycott of government-imposed New Year celebrations in Kardze, with Tibetans instead putting up posters calling for their independence.<br></span></span> <p><span><span>The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups are running a number of events to mark the 50th Anniversary, including the London premiere of Fire Under the Snow Sunday night (8th March) at the Prince Charles Cinema in London’s Leicester Square. The film is an adaptation of Palden Gyatso’s moving life story and the suffering and torture he endured at the hands of the Chinese government. On Tuesday 10th March Tibetans and supporters will participate in a mass lobby of the UK Parliament to directly engage their elected representatives.</span></span></p> <p><span><span><br></span></span><span>Notes to Editor:<br>(1)    <em>The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups consists of Tibet Society, Students for a Free Tibet UK, Tibetan Community in Britain, Free Tibet and Tibetan Youth UK</em></span></p> <p><span><em><img src="http://www.phayul.com/images/news/articles/090308014005BR.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433"><br></em><em></em></span>                   Palden Gyatso (second right) lead the march through the streets of London</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="http://www.phayul.com/images/news/articles/0903080149445X.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="433"><br>Tibetans staged a 'die-in' to draw attention to those Tibetans killed and disappeared in the recent crackdowns.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/08/50-years-of-the-national-uprising-tibetan-solidarity-march-through-the-streets-of-london-5713623/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/08/50-years-of-the-national-uprising-tibetan-solidarity-march-through-the-streets-of-london-5713623/Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:48:40 +0100 <p><span><span><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3317722909_b486f553a8.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="375"><br><strong>                                                                                                                             </strong></span></span>(Photos: Stevie Farrell)</p> <p><span><span><strong> 28</strong>^{<strong>th</strong>}<strong> February'09, Leeds: </strong>Tibetans and Tibet supporters in Leeds gathered outside Art Gallery in Leeds City Centre from 2 pm to 4 pm and held a vigil in solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet.  There were students and supporters from Lancashire, Sheffield and from Leeds University Free Tibet Group.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>With Tibetan flags and portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the backdrop, candles were lit and prayers were held. This was followed by flyer distribution to inform the audience on the plight of Tibet.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>The No Losar movement, initiated by the Tibetans inside Tibet to mourn and remember the brave Tibetans who lost their lives in the peaceful uprising last year, has gained momentum and significance amongst the Tibetan community in different parts of the world.</span></span></p> <p><span><span><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3317722463_ab03c2d4a9.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="375"></span></span></p> <p><span><span><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3317722093_bf84b48428.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="375"><br>                                                                                                                            (Photos: Stevie Farrell)</span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/01/tibetans-in-leeds-hold-no-losar-solidarity-vigil-5669818/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/03/01/tibetans-in-leeds-hold-no-losar-solidarity-vigil-5669818/Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:07:19 +0100 <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3310584838_16a9c3c405.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="375"></p> <p><strong>London: </strong>For the British people the thought of silence greeting Big Ben's midnight chimes on New Year's Eve is unthinkable, whilst the absence of fireworks over the Thames to welcome the beginning of another year would be unimaginable. To call off celebrations that are deeply ingrained in tradition and custom would be absolutely unprecedented. So it is that people in the UK and the world over can relate to the strength of feeling, the depth of suffering and the level of oppression that has led to the formation of the No Losar movement in Tibet, and the boycott of Tibetan New Year celebrations.</p> <p>The Tibetan community in London joined the worldwide No Losar movement last night as Tibetan New Year began with a sombre yet defiant atmosphere opposite the Chinese embassy. The recital of prayers and the lighting of candles acted as gestures of remembrance for the Tibetans killed by Chinese forces over the past year. The vigil was called by UK based Tibetans in solidarity with those Tibetans inside Tibet whose determination to make their feelings known has resulted in this historic act of silent protest.</p> <p>A Chinese embassy spokesperson reportedly stated that Tibetans would be celebrating Losar as usual, and that any reports to the contrary were media inventions. "As per usual the Chinese government propaganda is the opposite of the truth," said Terry Bettger, Campaigns Coordinator of Students for a Free Tibet UK. "The No Losar stance was formed by Tibetans inside Tibet who are making a clear and peaceful statement of defiance against the huge level of oppression imposed upon them by Chinese forces. Even silent protest like this carries serious risks, but it demonstrates the spirit of resistance Tibetans have, even in the face of a Strike Hard campaign by the Chinese authorities which is designed to brutally stamp out any sign of dissent."</p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3309758829_f9b07a87bc.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="375"></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3311424394_c0ed8a4b56.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="333"></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/02/26/uk-tibetans-hold-no-losar-solidarity-vigil-5653170/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/02/26/uk-tibetans-hold-no-losar-solidarity-vigil-5653170/Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:35:42 +0100 <p><span><strong><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3310471632_7e1403df25.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="375"></strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Bristol: </strong>The usual festivities for Losar, the Tibetan New Year, have been cancelled by Tibetans around the world, and will instead be marked by acts of remembrance for those who have died and disappeared under the Chinese Occupation of their homeland.</span></p> <p><span>March last year saw the largest protests in Tibet for 50 years. China's response was swift and brutal. Today a climate of fear reigns. It is estimated that over 6000 Tibetans were detained in connection to the protests, and protesters are still being arrested today. The fate of over 1000 people remains unknown, rendering them extremely vulnerable to torture.</span></p> <p><span>On Tuesday 24th February between 5 &7 pm at City Centre, one of the busiest routes in Bristol, exiled Tibetans and their supporters held a candlelight vigil.</span></p> <p><span>Traditionally, Losar celebrations last up to 15 days, with major festivities occurring on the first three days. Traditional Losar celebrations include family get-together meal on New Year's Eve, horse racing on New Year&rsquo;s Day, visiting friends and relatives, as well as religious rituals to wish good luck to the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and to each other.</span></p> <p><span>However the call has gone out from within Tibet itself to exiled Tibetans and supporters around the world to suspend celebrations and instead join together to remember the deaths, imprisonment and disappearances of fellow Tibetans in the uprising against China last year, and in the last 50 years of Chinese occupation.</span></p> <p><span>Reported by: Tej, Amnesty International, Bristol<br>Photos by: Sherab, Bristol</span></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3310471288_bcc0617980.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="375"></p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3310471996_d417bf99eb.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="500" height="375"></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/02/26/tibetan-community-in-bristol-cancel-their-new-year-celebrations-5651214/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://freetibet.blog.co.uk/2009/02/26/tibetan-community-in-bristol-cancel-their-new-year-celebrations-5651214/Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:18:13 +0100