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Tibet Monks Protest China Rule

Dozens arrested in biggest demonstrations since 1989

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 11, 2008 4:10 PM CDT

(Newser) – Tibetan monks staged the biggest protests against the Chinese government in 2 decades yesterday, reports the Times of London. The two sides clashed in Lhasa amid sporadic gunfire. Hundreds of monks and supporters marked the anniversary of a failed 1959 Tibetan uprising. Sources say police arrested as many as 60 monks, although the Chinese government will not confirm the figures.

The protest continued until police sent units to all the large monasteries; they eventually broke up sit-ins. “Tibetans are more willing to take risks” right now, said a rep for the International Campaign for Tibet. “It is Olympics year and the spotlight is on China.”

Tibetan activists dressed as Chinese soldiers enact a play during a demonstration in New Delhi, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet that forced the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, into exile in 1959. Hundreds of Tibetan...
Tibetan activists dressed as Chinese soldiers enact a play during a demonstration in New Delhi, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in...   (Associated Press)
Tibetan Budhist monks listen to Radio Free Asia broadcast on the march, at Takipur, about 40 kilometers, or 25 miles from Dharamshala, India, Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Several hundred Tibetan exiles in India pressed ahead Tuesday with a march protesting Beijing's hosting of this summer's Olympic Games, waving Tibetan flags...
Tibetan Budhist monks listen to Radio Free Asia broadcast on the march, at Takipur, about 40 kilometers, or 25 miles from Dharamshala, India, Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Several hundred Tibetan exiles in...   (Associated Press)
Sergia Delia, member of Italian parliament, flags off the Tibetan foot march in Dharmsala, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Hundreds of Tibetan exiles began a six-month march from India to Tibet on Monday to protest Beijing's hold on the Himalayan region and China's hosting of the Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Ashwini...
Sergia Delia, member of Italian parliament, flags off the Tibetan foot march in Dharmsala, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Hundreds of Tibetan exiles began a six-month march from India to Tibet on Monday...   (Associated Press)
Tibetan protesters shout slogans at a foot march in Dharmsala, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Hundreds of Tibetan exiles began a six-month march from India to Tibet on Monday to protest Beijing's hold on the Himalayan region and China's hosting of the Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
Tibetan protesters shout slogans at a foot march in Dharmsala, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Hundreds of Tibetan exiles began a six-month march from India to Tibet on Monday to protest Beijing's hold...   (Associated Press)
The Dalai Lama arrives to attend a function to commemorate the Tibetan Uprising Day at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet that forced the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, into exile...
The Dalai Lama arrives to attend a function to commemorate the Tibetan Uprising Day at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising...   (Associated Press)
A Nepalese police officer detains Tibetan protesters in Katmandu, Nepal, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet that forced the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, into exile in 1959. Protesters marked the day with demonstrations in New Delhi,...
A Nepalese police officer detains Tibetan protesters in Katmandu, Nepal, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet that forced the Dalai Lama,...   (Associated Press)
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