Wednesday, 19. March 2008, 17:56:07
protests, Dalai lama, Tibet
AP Top News at 7:44 a.m. EDT
1 day ago
DHARMSALA, India (AP) — The Dalai Lama threatened Tuesday to step down as leader of Tibet's government-in-exile if violence committed by Tibetans in his homeland spirals out of control. The rioting prompted Premier Wen Jiabao to denounce the Dalai Lama's supporters as separatists and accuse them of instigating the violence in Tibet's capital of Lhasa. It was China's highest-level response to date to the unrest.
Sunday, 16. March 2008, 23:03:01
protests, social activism, news, Tibet
In Tibet and around the world, more and more protesters are demonstrating against the Chinese Government as tensions that started on 10 March continue to escalate. Tibet has been seeking independence ever since the Chinese government invaded it in the 50s.
As the Olympics draw nearer more is at stake for the Chinese government: China has been in the spotlight for several different reasons but one aspect that China fails terribly at is its human rights record. They've killed, tortured, and made it nearly impossible for Buddhists to practice their religion in their homes and monasteries. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of Tibet, has been in exile ever since the Chinese invasion; he has been travelling around the world meeting other heads of States; and has been a key figure in spreading the Dharma to the West.
Since the recent demonstrations Youtube has been banned in China and I'm sure other internet sites will be censored and blocked from the people of the Republic of China as views and opinions against the Chinese Government are expressed. Personally I find it difficult to imagine living in a country with such strict measures and controls on the freedom of information. Will countries that uphold freedom of speech, freedom of information, and basic human rights allow this atrocity to carry on or will they boycott the Olympics in Beijing and put pressure on the Chinese Government to change some of its inhuman policies.
From the AP - Update on Tibet Some members of The Amida Trust held a peace vigil in front of the Chinese Embassy to show their solidarity and support for the Tibetan people.
