2008 Tibetan unrest
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (March 2008) |
The 2008 Tibetan protests began on March 10 2008, the anniversary of the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising against Beijing rule. The protests were started by Buddhist monks calling for the release of fellow monks detained in October as they celebrated the Dalai Lama receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. The protests soon shifted to calls for independence and descended into violence and rioting on March 14. Tibet has been formally an autonomous province of the People's Republic of China since 1951 though the legitimacy of Chinese sovereignty has been questioned by advocates of Tibetan independence.
Violence
Tensions in Lhasa have increased as the city's three biggest monasteries were sealed off by thousands of soldiers and armed police amid the largest protests in nearly two decades. Chinese authorities reportedly used tear gas and electric prods to disperse hundreds of protesters, and detained up to 50 monks. [1]
An eyewitness at the scene said monks set police cars on fire after a demonstration near a small temple in Lhasa was stopped by police. "The monks are still protesting. Police and army cars were burned. There are people crying," she said.[1] US embassy officials in Beijing told the Associated Press that US citizens had reported gunfire and rioting in Lhasa.[2]
Protesters appeared to be targeting shops and vehicles owned by Han Chinese, the predominant ethnic group in China. According to the BBC, protesters have been focused on setting fire and looting businesses owned by those Han Chinese.[3] According to the CNN, an Han girl said she had been beaten by a group of Tibetans.[4]
The US-based Radio Free Asia quoted witnesses who said they had seen at least two bodies on Lhasa's street.[3] So far, 10 people were burned to death-including two hotel employees and two shop owners, but no foreigners were hurt.[5]
China's response
China responded by deploying troops on the third day of protests[1] and closing down monasteries. China also banned foreign media from entering Tibet.
Protests outside China
New York Police said they arrested six pro-Tibet protesters trying to enter U.N. headquarters. In India the police arrested a dozen Tibetan exiles attempting to storm the Chinese embassy in New Dehli.[7]
International Reaction
European Union leaders asked China to show restraint and for human rights to be respected. EU High Representative Javier Solana said this would not affect Europe's involvement in the Beijing Olympics.[8]
US ambassador to Beijing Clark Randt urged China to exercise restraint.[7]
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour urged the Chinese government to allow protesters to "exercise their right to freedom of expression and assembly" and urged the Chinese government to refrain from excessive force or mistreatment of any individuals arrested.[9]
The Dalai Lama, head of Tibet's government in exile, called on China's government to refrain from violence.[7]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Tibet protests turn violent Aljazeera March 14, 2008
- ^ Shops on fire amid Tibet protests BBC
- ^ a b Deaths reported in Tibet protests BBC News March 14, 2008
- ^ Tibet in turmoil as riots grip capital CNN March 14, 2008
- ^ Yahoo News
- ^ - China's media crackdown (VIDEO) CNN March 14, 2008
- ^ a b c "Deaths reported in Tibet as China blames Dalai Lama". Reuters. 2008-03-14. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "EU urges China to show restraint in Tibet". Reuters. 2008-03-14. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "China should allow demonstrations in Tibet - U.N." Reuters. 2008-03-14. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
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