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Tibetan Voices Grow Louder

Plight of Tibet is back in the spotlight

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 12, 2008 8:25 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Nearly a half-century after China brutally crushed Tibetan opposition and sent the Dalai Lama into exile, calls for China to give Tibet more freedom are stronger than they have been in decades. While Beijing remains unwilling to budge, activists plan to use China's time in the Olympic spotlight to show that the world hasn't forgotten about Tibet. The Independent takes a look.

This week's 49th anniversary of the crackdown saw protests worldwide and monks on the streets of Lhasa in the biggest demonstration there in 20 years. Hundreds of Tibetan exiles have begun a long march from India back to their Himalayan homeland and a "freedom torch" is making its way from Athens to the Tibetan border in time for the Beijing Olympics, where the Tibet issue is certain to add controversy.

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 refugees shout slogans during a demonstration 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,...
Tibetan refugees shout slogans during a demonstration in Katmandu, Nepal, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet that forced the Dalai...   (Associated Press)
A Tibetan living in Taiwan shouts slogans to protest against human rights violations by the Chinese in Tibet, Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Taipei, Taiwan. The Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, is still widely revered in Tibet. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
A Tibetan living in Taiwan shouts slogans to protest against human rights violations by the Chinese in Tibet, Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Taipei, Taiwan. The Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in 1959 following...   (Associated Press)
Nepalese police officers detain a Tibetan protester, left, 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...
Nepalese police officers detain a Tibetan protester, left, in Katmandu, Nepal, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet that forced the Dalai...   (Associated Press)
The Dalai Lama arrives to attend a function to commemorate Tibetan Uprising Day at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamsala, 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...
The Dalai Lama arrives to attend a function to commemorate Tibetan Uprising Day at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamsala, India, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising...   (Associated Press)
Tibetan refugees shout slogans during a demonstration 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,...
Tibetan refugees shout slogans during a demonstration in Katmandu, Nepal, Monday, March 10, 2008. Monday marks the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet that forced the Dalai...   (Associated Press)
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Fresh crackdown on Tibetan protestors
Voice of America

Tibetan freedom torch starts journey in Athens
Reuters

Homepage for Tibet's government in exile
Government-in-exile web site

Profile of the Dalai Lama
BBC

 
China • human rights • 2008 Beijing Olympics • Tibet • Dalai Lama • Tibetans in exile

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