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China Detains 59 in Tibet for 'Spreading Hate'

Activists accused of targeting ethnic Han migrants via music

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Dec 25, 2008 1:35 PM CST

(Newser) – Chinese police have arrested 59 people in Tibet for downloading and selling banned “reactionary songs” they say fuel ethnic hatred against migrant Han Chinese, the New York Times reports. The detainees are accused of collaborating with the exiled Dalai Lama to fuel unrest in the troubled region. State media did not say whether they have been formally charged.

Ethnic Han, who dominate commerce in Lhasa and other Tibetan cities, were the targets of violent rioting in March that dented Beijing’s image ahead of the Olympics. Chinese officials recently started handing out multiple-year prison terms to some of the protesters, including Tibetan monks. Exile groups say several hundred participants are still in Chinese custody.

Chinese officials detained 59 people in Tibet who they say are allied with the Dalai Lama.
Chinese officials detained 59 people in Tibet who they say are allied with the Dalai Lama.   (AP Photo)
In this March 19 file photo, Tibetan exiles in India hold a candlelit vigil calling for an end to China's crackdown in Tibet.
In this March 19 file photo, Tibetan exiles in India hold a candlelit vigil calling for an end to China's crackdown in Tibet.   (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia, File)
A monk makes a reverential gesture on a spare altar in his small room in front of a framed portrait of the Dalai Lama in China.
A monk makes a reverential gesture on a spare altar in his small room in front of a framed portrait of the Dalai Lama in China.   (AP Photo/ Elizabeth Dalziel)
Tibetan prayer flags strung on a tree by worshipers are seen against the sun at a monastery in China.
Tibetan prayer flags strung on a tree by worshipers are seen against the sun at a monastery in China.   (AP Photo)
A Tibetan exile,  wearing a Free Tibet headband, re-lights blown out candles after an anti-China protest in New Delhi.
A Tibetan exile, wearing a Free Tibet headband, re-lights blown out candles after an anti-China protest in New Delhi.   (AP Photo)
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