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Free Tibet

November 1, 2011

More than 50 Tibetan refugees have been arrested in Nepal during a demonstration in support of Tibetan monks who self-immolated to protest Chinese rule.

https://p.dw.com/p/RuB5
Tibetan exiles demanding religious rights and Free Tibet protest in front of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Katmandu
Tibetans in Nepal have held many rallies to speak out against Chinese oppressionImage: AP

Nepali police have detained more than 50 Tibetan refugees who were taking part in a prayer rally organized by the Tibetan refugee camp in the central city of Jawlakhel. Hundreds of Tibetan exiles in Nepal had gathered in a peaceful congregation there on Tuesday in a "peaceful non-violent mass gathering, where we were praying to show solidarity," as described by Tsewang Dolma, head of the regional Tibetan Youth Congress.

The prayer rally had been organized in support of the monks in China who had set themselves on fire in the last few weeks to protest against Chinese rule in Tibet.

Tibetan monks are beaten up by policemen as Tibetans protest against Chinese rule in Tibet
Nepal is under pressure from China to curb 'anti-China' activitiesImage: AP

Dozens of policemen had been deployed around the monastery. Dolma says 53 Tibetans were arrested as they came out of the monastery after the ceremony. She was among those detained. At least 300 people continued with their prayers after the arrests had been made.

At least 20,000 Tibetan exiles live in Nepal, according to official records. Several more make their way out of Tibet into Nepal each year, putting tremendous pressure on the Himalayan country which recognizes the one-China policy and is wary of indulging in any activities which may anger its powerful neighbor.

Agencies: AFP, dpa (mg)
Editor: Sarah Berning

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