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Violent Protests in Tibet
29. March. 2008
- Sofia Fortin
On March 10th, Tibetan Monks in the city of Lhasa began protests to mark the 1959 failed uprising against Chinese rule. On March 14th, the protests turned violent, leaving at least 13 people dead (according to the Chinese government), while Tibetan exiles have claimed that the number of casualties is closer to 80.
Chinese security personell have been assaulted stones and other objects (pictured above), while non-Tibetan Han Chinese in the city have had their businesses vandalized and burned. There have even been individual attacks on Han Chinese in the streets (pictured below).
Since the violence in Lhasa occurred, new protests have spread across China, predominantly in areas with significant Tibetan populations such as the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan. Check out this link for a summary of the key events that have occurred and areas affected by the protests.
The Dalai lama has issued a statement on the protests, asking Tibetans “not to resort to violence” and urging restraint on the part of Chinese authorities. However, the Chinese government is publicly denouncing the Dalai lama, claiming that he and his followers (the “Dalai Clique”) are responsible for instigating the violence.
Amnesty international is reporting that Chinese police have begun searching door-to-door in Lhasa to arrest individuals sought in connection to the violent protest. In general, political leaders from around the world - including Canadian PM Stephen Harper - have urged restraint on the part of Chinese security forces responding to the protests.
Continuing police crackdowns against protesters, many of which are still being sought-out by security forces, may lead to escalating criticism and condemnation of the Chinese government. This is particularly inconvenient timing for the Chinese, as they are trying to improve their human rights record ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
A global day of action is planned for Monday, March 31st, with events planned for several cities around the world, including the Canadian Cities of Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax.
A march and demonstration will also be held in Whitehorse, and interested parties are urged to meet at 4:00 PM at Main & 4th Avenue. Organizers are holding this event to urge the Chinese government to:
- Cease its brutal crackdown on Tibetans inside Tibet
- Permit international journalists and UN monitors into the region
- Engage in negotiation and sincere dialogue with the Dalai lama
For more background information and current updates on the situation in Tibet, please check out these links:
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