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Tibet PRESS WATCH
SPRING 2008 |
Dear Friend,
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John Ackerly,
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This issue of Tibet Press Watch is devoted to the sweeping protests in Tibet and the international response to the resulting Chinese crackdown. It’s filled with facts and information, so I hope you won’t mind if I take this moment to make a personal observation.
Before I devoted my career to the cause of justice in Tibet, I was a civil rights lawyer in the American south. As we’ve been struggling in these past months to help the people of Tibet, I’ve been struck by the situation’s similarities to the U.S. civil rights movement.
The Chinese response to international outrage has been one of resentment. They don’t want to be told how to handle “their” Tibetans and seem to believe that their institutionalized racism and repression are an acceptable way to treat the people of Tibet — just as many leaders of the American south insisted that their treatment of blacks was fair and proper.
There comes a watershed moment in any citizen’s movement — a point at which a people will no longer accept the excuse of “That’s the way we’ve always done it.”At that point, even the most dominant institutions can be overcome. Jim Crow laws are over-thrown; apartheid is ended in South Africa; the Berlin Wall comes down.
I believe we’re closer to that moment now in Tibet.
This March, the Tibetan people — steeped in the proud traditions of compassion and acceptance — rose up to confront their oppressors after decades of abuse. Violent acts were committed on both sides — Chinese immigrants were killed and Chinese shops attacked by Tibetans, and Tibetan protestors were beaten and killed by Chinese police. We condemn the violence on both sides. Perpetrators must be fairly tried. But the incidences of violence must not blur the reality that injustice must be addressed. This is our time to push for peaceful change and a true respect for rights in Tibet — and by so doing, help China grow stronger by confronting its prejudices.
Systemized repression may appear to be immune to protest or change — but we know change is possible. More than that, change is essential, and those who do not take action are unwittingly supporting a brutal status quo.
I thank you for standing with us. Please let us know if you have any questions.
In solidarity,
John Ackerly
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Barack Obama
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POLITICAL VOICES: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
"I am deeply disturbed by reports of a crackdown and arrests in the wake of peaceful protests by Tibetan monks.I condemn the use of violence and call on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of the people of Tibet, and to account for the whereabouts of detained Buddhist monks. If Tibetans are to live in harmony with the rest of China’s people, their religion and culture must be respected and protected." —March 14, 2008
POLITICAL VOICES: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN
"The tragedy in Tibet should draw the attention of the world. I deplore the violent crackdown by Chinese authorities and the continuing oppression of those merely wishing to practice their faith and preserve their culture and heritage. I urge the Chinese authorities to ensure peaceful protest is not met with violence, to release monks and others detained for peacefully expressing their views and to allow full outside access to Tibet.” —March 18, 2008
The Situation in Tibet
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MARCH 10, 2008: A Tibetan
protester after he was beaten by Kathmandu police during demonstrations,
and (right) Kathmandu police drag away a Tibetan protester.
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On March 10th of this year, a group of monks demonstrated in support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibet. This lone peaceful protest in Lhasa rapidly spread across the nation in a pan-Tibetan assertion of rights — and incurred a brutal crackdown by Chinese authorities.The frustration that boiled over in March dwarfs any recent protests in Tibet, and featured not only monks and nuns in urban centers but also nomads in the east and northeast, students in Beijing, and people of all ages — including many young men and women, who came of age long after the Dalai Lama had been forced to flee in 1959.
As tensions grew and violence spread, the result was the deaths of both Tibetans and Chinese. It may be a long while before credible casualty figures emerge, and current estimates vary wildly. The Chinese government talks of around 20 dead, all of which are said to be Chinese. The Tibetan government-in-exile has claimed the Tibetan death toll to be more than 100. Chinese propaganda has inspired an ultra-nationalistic fervor among ethnic Chinese, and portrayed the Tibetans as the source of the violence.
A serious review of China's Tibet policy is now due, coupled with a forward-looking approach. It is past time to abandon the reigning principle that only the use of force will allow Beijing to establish some form of normalcy in the Tibetan areas of China. Wise counsel is required to prevail in order that this Tibetan uprising, as tragic as it has been, will result in a positive outcome for both the Tibetans and the Chinese.
Chronology of Events
For reasons of space, this chronology is significantly shortened. It's important to note that each protest required every participant to willingly accept the risk of a beating, the overwhelming brutality of a Chinese prison, or death as the potential price for expressing their opinions and demanding their rights.
MONDAY, MARCH 10: Four apparently unrelated protests occur — two in Lhasa (conducted by the monks from the Drepung and Sera Monasteries), and two in Qinghai Province, which borders Tibet (by the monks of the Lutsang and Ditsa Monasteries). Protestors shout pro-Tibetan independence slogans, distribute leaflets, and raise the banned Tibetan national flag. Police stop the Qinghai protests; police in Lhasa arrest participating monks and reportedly beat them. Police and paramilitary police block roads and encircled other monasteries around Lhasa to prevent the protests from growing.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11: A peaceful protest staged by 600 monks from Sera monastery calls for the release of monks from Sera and Drepung. Thousands of armed police and military personnel use batons and tear gas on protesters. Water supplies to Lhasa monasteries are cut, driving the basic life condition of the monastery into a critical phase.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12: Protests spread to Chutsang Nunnery (on the west side of Lhasa) and Gaden Monastery (about 30 miles east of Lhasa). Police turn back the nuns as they march, and surround and seal off the monastery.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13: All monasteries in Lhasa under lock-down. Protests erupt at Chutsang Nunnery, Drepung and Sera Monastery, and among students at Tibet University. Police reportedly arrest around 500 students from Tibet University. Reports of deaths inspire global requests for Chinese restraint.
FRIDAY, MARCH 14: Tibetan citizens are angered when monks from Lhasa's Ramoche temple are beaten by police. Thousands of people protest, burning and destroying symbols of Chinese authority. Armed soldiers and armored carriers are deployed throughout Lhasa. Reports say police and armed soldiers open fire and use tear gas. All main roads are sealed and a curfew is imposed. Foreign news reporters are asked to leave.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15: Regular forces deploy in Lhasa, house-to-house raids begin. According to reliable sources, 600 people are arrested. State-run website posts announcement warning the "rioters" to give themselves up. Protests spread to Labrang and Hezuo as well as villages neighboring Lhasa; police and military respond with violence.
SUNDAY, MARCH 16: Violence has not dampened the protests or their spread. Chinese authorities respond with lethal force to protests at Amdo Ngaba Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County (at least seven are killed). Protests spread to Rong Gonchen Monastery in Rebkong County, at the North Western Nationality University in Lanzhou, and in Machu County. Students at Marthang Nationality Middle School erupt into a spontaneous demonstration and call for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.
MONDAY, MARCH 17: Protests in Tibet spread to students of the Tibetan Medical College and Teacher Training Higher Institute in Tsoe Township, Kanlho, to Meldrogungkar and Phenpo Lhudnup Counties, to monasteries in Mangra, Chigdril, Toelung Dechen, Dzoge, and Rongren Counties, and to Pangsa Monastery in Lhasa mu-nicipality. In almost all instances, citizens join with monks and nuns in protest.
Around 200 Tibetan students hold a six-hour silent vigil in Beijing to honor the courage of Tibetan protestors in Tibet. Beijing University requires minority students to fill out pledges not to participate in any protests.
TUESDAY, MARCH 18: Protests continue to spread across Tibet, with demonstrations at Choephel Shing Monastery in Chone County, Sertha County, Kardze, at Bora Monastery in Sangchu County, at Kakhamey Monastery in Kanlho, Gansu Province, in Lithang County, at Achok Tsenyi Monastery in Marthang County, at Tsang Monastery in Yulgan County, and in Chabcha,Tsolho Prefecture in Qinghai Province.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19: Mass arrests continue in Lhasa. Nomads and farmers stage a protest in Luchu County.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20: Pro-Tibetan protesters in Kiku (in China's Serthar County) are killed by Chinese security forces as the Chinese attempted to remove a raised Tibetan "snow lion" flag from the government offices. Monks from Serthar Sera Monastery (also in Serthar County) protest the killings.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21: Armed police surround Tarthang Monastery in Jigdril County and close off all access to the town.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22: Despite the deaths, arrests, and violence by the Chinese government, Tibetans continue to find the courage to protest. Demonstrations occur in Chentsa County, in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and at the Palyul Darthang Monastery in Amdo Golog, in Qinghai Province.
SUNDAY, MARCH 23: Protests occur in Chentsa County (Qinghai Province, China) and at Serlho Monastery in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
MONDAY, MARCH 24: Protests by Chokri Monastery and Ngyoe-go Nunnery in Drango County. In Shigatse, police were ready for the monks of Tashilunpo Monastery — the religious seat of the Panchen Lama — and turned back their peaceful demonstration.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25: Monks from a monastery in Drango County protest the murder of an 18-year-old monk in the previous day's demonstration. Monks and citizens march to the county's market square, where security forces open fire. Death totals are unconfirmed.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26: Arrests are made in Drango County. Chinese government conducts a carefully-orchestrated tour of Lhasa for foreign journalists during which brave Tibetans accepted the fate of arrest for speaking truthfully to the reporters.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28: Governmental crackdowns have finally capped outward signs of unrest. Over 100 monks are arrested from Ngaba Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29: First sentences for "rioters" are handed down. One monk is sentenced to life in prison, two receive 20 years. At least one prisoner is seated at the trial, which may mean he is unable to stand after torture.
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK: Drango County, Tibet Autonomous Prefecture
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26: In an apparent measure to bring Tibetans in the area under control, the authorities called for a Getse Township meeting during which the residents were ordered to denounce and criticize the Dalai Lama and the "separatist forces." Ama Tsanglo, an elderly woman, steadfastly refused to abide by the order and called for the early "return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet." In response,the Township Party Secretary beat her brutally as she cried out,"I will never denounce the Dalai Lama. Even if you kill me today I won't have any regrets."Unable to watch his mother being mercilessly beaten, her son sprang from the crowd and attacked the Party Secretary. At last report, both the Secretary and Ama Tsanglo had been hospitalized. The whereabouts of the son are unknown.
IN CHINA
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On the relay route of
the Olympic Torch through Paris, members of the French Assembly gathered
behind a banner reading “Respect Human Rights in China” and
displayed Tibetan flags (which are forbidden in Tibet).
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Leading Chinese intellectuals and writers bravely defied the fervent ultra-nationalism of the Chinese Communist Party by releasing a petition in the wake of the Tibetan emergency. Entitled “Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation,” it urges the government to stop its violent repressions in Tibet and end its anti-Tibet propaganda among the Chinese people.
“The one-sided propaganda of the official Chinese media is having the effect of stirring up inter-ethnic animosity and aggravating an already tense situation. This is extremely detrimental to the long-term goal of safeguarding national unity.”
The authors noted that while past protests in Tibet have been limited to Lhasa, the current emergency has spread across Tibet.
“This deterioration indicates that there are serious mistakes in the work that has been done with regard to Tibet. [China’s leaders] must reflect upon this matter, examine their failures, and fundamentally change the failed national policies.”
The letter urges dialogue between Chinese leaders and the Dalai Lama so as to “eliminate animosity and bring about national reconciliation.” It pleads for calm and reflection in China.
IN FRANCE
Protesters at the Eiffel Tower lined the Olympic Torch route with waving Tibetan flags and calls for justice. Members of the French Assembly stood in their sashes of office behind a sign reading “Respect Human Rights in China.” The positive public response to the protests astonished event planners and some parts of the planned program were cancelled in response.
IN DHARAMSALA
The U.S. Speaker of the House (and long-time ally to Tibet) led a ten-member delegation of Members of Congress to Dharamsala, where they met with refugees and discussed the situation in Tibet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tears were shed, friendships were strengthened, hearts and minds were changed — and we hope for more support in the U.S. Congress as a result. The first step, an important House Resolution, is discussed below.
IN WASHINGTON, DC
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with the members of a bipartisan congressional delegation that met with His Holiness in Dharam-sala, introduced House Resolution 1077 on April 3, which calls on China to cease the crackdown, release protestors, provide
Speaker for Justice: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
“I bring you greetings from your sisters and brothers in ... the free South Africa, the democratic South Africa. I want to remind you that it was people like you who demonstrated on our behalf, it was people like you who boycotted South African goods on our behalf. It was people like you who held demonstrations and vigils. It was people like you who were ready even to be imprisoned on our behalf. And today apartheid — which at the time looked invincible — is destroyed. On behalf of all of our people, I want to say a very big thank you to the people who helped us to become free. I thank you for continuing that tremendous tradition to stand for freedom.”
Speaker for Justice: Richard Gere
“The torch is going through China and around the world, co-opting the
idea of harmony, to push a political position which includes the abuse of not
only China itself but also Tibetans. This is a fraud. There is no genuine harmony
without hope, without truth, without the ability to speak openly, without the
freedoms of religion, expression, and culture.”
IN SAN FRANCISCO
The Chinese government planned a route for the Olympic Torch that touched North America only once — in San Francisco, on April 9th. The International Campaign for Tibet, in collaboration with nearly a dozen other groups, held a candlelight vigil and rally the evening before, attended by thousands — including journalists from most major news outlets. Speakers included actor/activist Richard Gere (chair of ICT’s Board of Directors) and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. At the rally, two American Olympians — their gold medals shining in the chilly evening light — entered the crowd to light candles for the participants. As the flames slowly spread from person to person throughout the crowd, a true spirit of Olympic brotherhood and solidarity went along.
Majora Carter, a torch bearer in the relay through San Francisco, spoke at the rally and did her best to express her support for Tibet without warning anyone of her bold plan; the following day as she prepared for her turn carrying the torch, she tucked a Tibetan flag inside her sleeve. As she was running the route, surrounded by Chinese handlers, she pulled the flag out and waved it for about five seconds alongside the Olympic torch until the Chinese noticed and forced her to surrender the torch.
Overwhelmed by the intense public protests, police and Olympic officials canceled many of the planned torch ceremonies and changed the torch’s route without notice. As demonstrators waited along the announced route in vain, the runners carried the torch down a different street some two miles away. After four miles, the torch was carried onto a bus to the airport for the next leg of its journey to South America.
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Stop! Put out that light
until we get this mess cleaned up!
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The eyes of the world were already on China in anticipation of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games to be held in Beijing this August — and overwhelmingly, the global response to China's repressions of peaceful protests in Tibet was one of horror and outrage. In the wake of violent repressions of monks in Burma recently, the world press rightly saw the repression of protest in China as an issue of real concern.
The following extracts are a sampling of the widespread attention these protests received in nations around the world. As ICT's Board of Director, Richard Gere has pointed out, it has been challenging in the past to find a forum for discussion of the situation in Tibet — but now the world is watching. Now a tremendous energy has been generated. Now we must pursue every opportunity to keep international attention and interest at a peak in the months before the Games.
Op-ed
CHINA'S LOYAL YOUTH
Matthew Forney in Beijing — April 13, 2008
Many sympathetic Westerners view Chinese society along the lines of what they saw in the waning days of the Soviet Union: a repressive government backed by old hard-liners losing its grip to a new generation of well-educated, liberal-leaning sophisticates. As pleasant as this outlook may be, it's naive. Educated young Chinese, far from being embarrassed or upset by their government's human-rights record, rank among the most patriotic, establishment-supporting people you'll meet.
As is clear to anyone who lives here, most young ethnic Chinese strongly support their government's suppression of the recent Tibetan uprising. One Chinese friend who has a degree from a European university described the conflict to me as "a clash between the commercial world and an old aboriginal society." She even praised her government for treating Tibetans better than New World settlers treated Native Americans.
Barring major changes in China's education system or economy, Westerners are not going to find allies among the vast majority of Chinese on key issues like Tibet, Darfur and the environment for some time. If the debate over Tibet turns this summer's contests in Beijing into the Human Rights Games, as seems inevitable, Western ticket-holders expecting to find Chinese angry at their government will instead find Chinese angry at them.
Asian Wall Street Journal
TRAGEDY IN TIBET
Robert Barnett — March 17, 2008
Today, Tibetans exist in a shadow world, where criticism of Chinese policies can rarely be spoken for fear of political and professional suicide, or worse. No one
Monks demonstrating on March 10, 2008 in Lhasa. Monks throughout Tibet now face an increased ‘patriotic education' campaign by authorities targeting the Dalai Lama's influence and attempting to ‘restore order' in Tibet.
who has lived in Tibet and speaks Tibetan will have been unaware that Tibetans were hiding deep and unexpressed discontent and fear. Random people would approach me in Lhasa alleyways, sometimes weeping, whispering and begging me to tell the world that the Chinese were denying them freedom, or some such phrase. The only surprise is that after 20 years they dared to take to the streets in such numbers.
All sides have made mistakes. The West has depicted Tibetans as likeable victims, rather than as agents with coherent political agendas that needed urgent answers. The Dalai Lama has been accused by the Chinese of sending mixed signals about his promise to give up independence. The Chinese side has failed to listen to the warnings of their own advisers, let alone those opinions offered by Tibetans and outsiders.
INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE/OP-ED
TURNING POINT FOR TIBET
Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari — April 3, 2008
As the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in talks with the Chinese leadership since 2002, I have been deeply fearful that such events would come to pass. But none of us imagined the scale of the protests, given China's tight control in Tibet.
The protests that we have seen among my Tibetan compatriots are not only a result of several years of hard-line policies by Beijing. They have deeper roots, arising from 50 years of Chinese misrule. I salute the courage of my compatriots, who, through risking their lives and their freedom, have exposed the bankruptcy of China's Tibet policy and the strength of Tibetan identity.
We are profoundly moved that several Chinese intellectuals have bravely raised their voices in China in response to the way Beijing is handling development in Tibet. The world is watching.
Financial Times
DALAI LAMA'S INTERNATIONAL PROFILE ENRAGES BEIJING
Richard McGregor in Beijing — March 16 2008
Beijing has depicted the violent protests in Tibet over the past week as the product of a dark conspiracy, led by the Dalai Lama, and abetted by foreign forces which want to "split" China and sabotage the 2008 Olympics.
"Now the blaze and blood in Lhasa has unclad the nature of the Dalai Lama, it's time for the international community to recheck their stance towards the group's camouflage of non-violence, if they do not want to be willingly misled," the Xinhua report said.
Such hectoring missives typify the Chinese response, which has been to place the protests firmly in the context of the wider sovereignty dispute, the most sensitive issue for the ruling communist party.
We are profoundly moved that several Chinese intellectuals have bravely raised their voices in China in response to the way Beijing is handling development in Tibet. The world is watching.
—Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari
Associated Press
TIBETAN PROTESTS ESCALATE INTO VIOLENCE
Tini Tran — March 14 2008
BEIJING (AP) — Protests led by Buddhist monks against Chinese rule in Tibet turned violent Friday, bathing Lhasa in smoke from tear gas, bonfires and burned shops, and posing a challenge to China on whether its image can withstand a harsh crackdown ahead of the Beijing Olympics.
Eyewitness accounts and photos posted on the Internet portrayed a chaotic scene in Lhasa, the provincial capital, with crowds hurling rocks at security forces, hotels and restaurants. The U.S. Embassy said Americans had reported gunfire. U.S. government-funded Radio Free Asia reported two people killed.
The Washington Post
TIBETAN OFFICIALS ISSUE STERN WARNING IN ADVANCE OF OLYMPIC RELAY
Jill Drew — April 25, 2008
BEIJING, April 24 — Tibetan government authorities warned Thursday of severe consequences for anyone who spreads rumors that "excite popular feelings," as the region braces for the arrival of the Olympic torch sometime in the next couple of weeks.
Chinese officials are sticking to a controversial plan for torchbearers to
bring the Olympic flame over the top of Mount Everest and into downtown Lhasa,
the Tibetan capital and the scene last month of deadly rioting against Chinese
rule.
March 14, 2008
I
am deeply concerned over the situation that has been developing in Tibet following
peaceful protests in many parts of Tibet, including Lhasa, in recent days. These
protests are a manifestation of the deep-rooted resentment of the Tibetan people
under the present governance.
As I have always said, unity and stability under brute force is at best a temporary solution. It is unrealistic to expect unity and stability under such a rule and would therefore not be conducive to finding a peaceful and lasting solution.
I therefore appeal to the Chinese leadership to stop using force and address the long-simmering resentment of the Tibetan people through dialogue with the Tibetan people. I also urge my fellow Tibetans not to resort to violence.
—THE DALAI LAMA
March 28th, 2008
An Appeal to the Chinese People from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
... I am deeply saddened by the loss of life in the recent tragic events in Tibet. I am aware that some Chinese have also died. I feel for the victims and their families and pray for them.
Chinese brothers and sisters, I as-sure you I have no desire to seek Tibet’s separation. Nor do I have any wish to drive a wedge between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. My primary concern is to ensure the survival of the Tibetan people’s distinctive culture, language and identity. As a simple monk who strives to live his daily life according to Buddhist precepts, I assure you of the sincerity of my motivation.
Since ancient times, Tibetan and Chinese peoples have lived as neighbors ...Since Buddhism flourished in China first before it arrived in Tibet from India, we Tibetans have historically accorded the Chinese people the respect and affection due to elder Dharma brothers and sisters. Instead of cultivating enmity towards the Chinese leaders responsible for the ruthless suppression of the Tibetan people, I prayed for them to become friends, which I expressed in the following lines in a prayer I composed in 1960, a year after I arrived in India: “May they attain the wisdom eye discerning right and wrong, and may they abide in the glory of friendship and love.”Many Tibetans, school children among them, recite these lines in their daily prayers. This year the Chinese people are proudly and eagerly awaiting the opening of the Olympic Games. I have, from the start, supported Beijing’s being awarded the opportunity to host the Games.My position remains unchanged. China has the world’s largest population, a long history and an extremely rich civilization. Today, due to her impressive economic progress, she is emerging as a great power. This is certainly to be welcomed. But China also needs to earn the respect and esteem of the global community through the establishment of an open and harmonious society based on the principles of transparency, freedom, and the rule of law. Chinese brothers and sisters— wherever you may be—with deep concern I appeal to you to help dispel the misunderstandings between our two communities.Moreover, I appeal to you to help us find a peaceful, lasting solution to the problem of Tibet through dialogue in the spirit of understanding and accommodation.
With my prayers,
DALAI LAMA
April 2nd, 2008
I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the world leaders, Parliamentarians, NGOs and public who have expressed their concern over the recent deeply saddening and tragic events in Tibet.We are also grateful for their efforts in persuading the Chinese authorities to exercise restraint in dealing with the peaceful protesters, while at the same time calling for meaningful dialogue to resolve the issue. I...appeal for your continued support in calling for an immediate end to the current crackdown, the release of all those who have been arrested and detained, and the provision of proper medical treatment.We are particularly concerned about the provision of adequate medical facilities, as there are reports of many injured Tibetans being afraid to go to Chinese-run hospitals and clinics. I would also request you to encourage the sending of an independent international body, to investigate the unrest and its underlying causes, as well as allow the media and international medical teams to visit the affected areas. Their presence will not only instill a sense of reassurance in the Tibetan people, but will also exercise a restraining influence on the Chinese authorities.
—THE DALAI LAMA
