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China Plans 'Education' of Tibetan Monks

Beijing's move to enforce loyalty raises fears of more violence

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 5, 2008 1:10 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Fed up with protests from Tibetan monks, Beijing said today it will step up a campaign of "patriotic education," the AP reports. Beijing will try to force monks to denounce the Dalai Lama and declare their loyalty to China, adding to worries that the current tension over human rights will only worsen as the Summer Olympics approach.

"We should strengthen patriotic education so as to guide the masses of monks to continuously display the patriotic tradition and uphold the banner of patriotism," a Chinese official said. Attempts to "re-educate" monks in Sichuan province this week—two monks were arrested for having pictures of the Dalai Lama— led to a confrontation that left up to eight Tibetans dead, rights groups say.

Human rights and pro-Tibet activists demonstrate against the Olympic Games outside the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Human rights and pro-Tibet activists demonstrate against the Olympic Games outside the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Saturday, April 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
Human rights and pro-Tibet activists demonstrate for human rights outaide the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Human rights and pro-Tibet activists demonstrate for human rights outaide the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Saturday, April 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
Tibetan monks distribute sacred water to faithfuls during a festival in the compound of the sprawling Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, western China's Gansu province, Friday, April 4, 2008.
Tibetan monks distribute sacred water to faithfuls during a festival in the compound of the sprawling Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, western China's Gansu province, Friday, April 4, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Human rights and pro-Tibet activists demonstrate for human rights outside the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Human rights and pro-Tibet activists demonstrate for human rights outside the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Saturday, April 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
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More details from the latest unrest in Sichuan province
Times (UK)

France ramps up pressure on Beijing
AFP

Chinese rights advocate jailed
Associated Press

 
China • human rights • 2008 Beijing Olympics • Tibet • Dalai Lama • Sichuan province

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