SFT UK News Issue 5

UK SFT ISSUE 5

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NEWS

Spring 2012

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How young Tibetans are leading and why that means a strong future for the movement Students for a Free Tibet UK, Unit 9, 139 Fonthill Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HF

SFT UK news Dear Tibetans and supporters,

Despite arrests, disappearances, torture and killings, Tibetans across Tibet have stood up and rejected China’s rule with fearlessness, utilising cultural resistance, non-cooperation and protest. Today, Tibetan resistance has taken an unprecedented turn. At the time of writing, 27 Tibetans; mothers, Buddhist monks, nuns and lay people have set fire to themselves offering their life for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Contents News 3-9

-Tibet crisis -China protests -Wen in Nepal -Student violence -More news

10-11 Get active!

-Uprising Day -Lobby force -Losar

-13 Feature 12 -Long live the resistance: how Tibetans are taking the lead

14-17 Campaigns

-Last generation -Battle for Tibet -More stories

Online

18-19

-Safe travels -Woeser interview -More stories

20-21 Grassroots -Tibet vigils -Shared rights -More stories

22-23 Regulars -Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche -Notice board

Cover picture: Tibetan resistance has expanded since 2008, with Tibetans showing national pride in protests, disobedience and the arts.

The SFT UK board

As the Tibetan people inside and outside have intensified their commitment to the Tibetan struggle, a human struggle for freedom, so has SFT UK.

Earlier this year I met with Foreign Minister Jeremy Browne alongside representatives of the International Tibet Network and Avaaz. We delivered an urgent petition signed by over half a million people who are gravely concerned about the crisis in Tibet; 63,297 signatures were from the UK. I urged Minister Browne to join other world governments to push for multi-lateral action to help end China's violent crackdown in Tibet. He assured us that he would continue to raise the Tibet crisis with his counterparts in Beijing.

The self-immolations are a direct response by Tibetans who have suffered horrific repression for decades under China’s occupation. As Tibetans in Tibet are taking their own lives to resist China’s violent regime, we too must be in the streets, calling upon our elected representatives, and taking direct actions to ensure that their calls for freedom echo around the world and pierce the halls of political power.

Through grassroot actions and advocacy, SFT UK joins Tibet groups across the globe to demand that our governments urgently establish a forum for Tibet to discuss, agree and implement a multi-lateral diplomatic strategy for the Tibetan people. Now is the time for world leaders to unite and address the Chinese government with one voice.

Tibetans want the sufferings to end. They want their freedom and they are doing everything, even lighting themselves on fire, to ensure there is not another generation of suffering and repression, not another generation of orphaned children, so that the next generation can live in the peace and freedom, Tibetans have sacrificed so much to achieve this. Our government is involved with China and has a stake in how long the suffering and bloodshed continues in Tibet. We have influence and can use our freedom to help Tibetans’ achieve theirs.

Join us in our work.

In hope and solidarity

Pema Yoko National Director

Photos from top: SFT and TYIE launch the ‘Enough!’ campaign in Nice, Pema talking to press at the White House during next Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s February visit to the US, SFT UK board: Pema (Executive Director), Gabriel, Liam, Sonam, Tsephel, Lisa

Tibet crisis escalates

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The situation in Tibet has deteriorated rapidly over the past months, with people talking about the ‘tsampa revolution’ and comparisons being made with the kind of feeling which led to the Tibetan uprising of 2008. Tibet is again a hotbed of resistance.

At least 26 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest against Chinese rule, 25 in the Tibetan year 2138 alone. Among them were 18-year old nun Tenzin Choedron and 18-year-old monk Nangdrol, who died after self-immolating in Ngaba on 11th and 17th February. Perhaps the most prominent case has been that of Sopa Rinpoche, the most senior religious figure to self-immolate, who died at the scene in Darlag county, Golog on 8th January. Sopa Rinpoche left leaflets and an audio recording making his and the other self-immolating Tibetans’ feelings and motivations clear, and his words have become a rallying call for Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet that these incidents are neither isolated or desperate. Though it’s hard for people outside Tibet who aren’t suffering oppression on a daily basis to understand, Sopa Rinpoche outlined the fact that Tibetans are not taking this drastic action because they have given up; far from it, they are laying down their lives to push the cause for Tibetan freedom forward. Sopa Rinpoche said his self-immolation was “not for (my) personal glory but for Tibet and the happiness of Tibetans. Tibetans should not lose their determination. The day of happiness will come for sure. For the Dalai Lama to live long, the Tibetans should not lose track of their path.”

He also encouraged Tibetans to “unite and work together to build a strong and prosperous Tibetan nation”.

This nationalistic sentiment and the sense of unity among Tibetans seems to be growing. It’s a direct challenge to Chinese rule and to China’s attempts to gradually demolish Tibetans’ sense of identity and pride. And the Chinese state has fallen into panic mode, unable to quell the unrest. In February, the Deputy Party Secretary of the so-called ‘Tibetan Autonomous Region’ Hao Peng even stated that China is ‘at war’ with Tibetan protesters, showing just how threatened the CCP feels over the current crisis. “War and force is a must to keep the security in the Tibetan It’s time to stand with regions” he said. China has flooded Tibet with huge numbers of troops, tanks Tibetans in Tibet and show and other artillery, documented in videos, photos and eyewitness accounts them they’re not alone. from all three Tibetan regions, but the intimidation has not dented Tibetans’ drive; protests are spreading. China’s Tibet policies are a monumental failure.

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Tell them what’s happening and ask them to push for multi-lateral action. www.writetothem.com

To make matters worse, Chinese troops opened fire on unarmed Tibetan protesters in three instances in late January, killing at least six and wounding many more, and further incidents have occured, including on 6th March, where a CALL THE UK EMBASSY man named Choeri was killed. Tibetans in Ngaba reported “a kind of martial law Tell them to raise concerns has been imposed” and “Tibetans are confined to their homes as the Chinese with Chinese authorities. police fire on anyone who ventures outside in the streets.” And they didn’t stop at ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en/ just opening fire indiscriminately; two Tibetan brothers who had survived the JOIN A SOLIDARITY VIGIL shooting in Drago on 23rd January, one of whom had been injured with a gunshot, These take place every were later hunted down by Chinese forces, cornered and shot dead. Their mother Wednesday evening at the was also wounded and arrested. On 26th January, a young man named Tharpa Chinese Embassy, London posted a pamphlet stating the reasons behind the self-immolations, calling for SHARE THE PETITION freedom and boldly leaving his address and photo with a note challenging police to Help us call for global come and get him. They did, but not without a large protest against them in which action for Tibet at Chinese forces shot Tharpa’s school friend Urgyen dead. Again, China has shown www.standupfortibet.org that these violent responses are not just conducted by a couple of irresponsible Detailed report on the crisis: http://bit.ly/xXMrHS officers; they are part of a premeditated state policy of killing Tibetans who they feel pose a threat to China’s rule. These acts, and the CCP itself, embarrass China, the Chinese people and China’s reputation abroad. China hopes that using violence against Tibetans, whether that be firing into hundreds or thousands of protesters, beating Tibetans who protest or laying into those who have self-immolated while they are still burning and heightening tension by disrespectfully refusing to give bodies back to families for funerals, that they will break the spirit of the Tibetan people. But the opposite is happening; Tibetans are staging more and more protests, uniting for their country.

Read more about the growing crisis in Tibet through 2011 and SFT UK’s work to push for freedom and independence in our annual review at www.issuu.com/sftuk

PHOTOS from top: Troops beat a man, protest in Jyekundo, Yonten, shot dead in January, Lobsang Jamyang, Sopa Rinpoche and Tenzin Chodron, died after self-immolating in 2012, Yeshe Rigsal, Yeshe Samdrub and Urgyen, shot dead and (right) Tharpa

A+ in violence

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In Chengdu, 3,000 Chinese students at the Railway Engineering School broke into a dormitory to attack 200 Tibetan students. Shouting “beat a Tibetan, get extra credit!”, they broke doors and windows and left a number of Tibetan students in hospital.

School authorities called the police, who were unable to calm the rioters, who also damaged school and police vehicles. It’s unclear what prompted the violence, but the incident demonstrates a worrying level of tension within the Han Chinese community, and again exposes the façade of China’s ‘harmony’ between ethnic groups in Tibet. A Chinese student blogging about the attack called it ‘seriously bloody’ and said it was an ‘important victory’ in part of a ‘larger war’. He finished by saying “I predict that tonight will be another sleepless night of battle. The Han students are formidable!!! Beat the Tibetans, wear your school uniform, and get extra credit.”

The education system in Tibet is known to favour Han Chinese immigrants, forcing Tibetans to compete for university places in Chinese when their mother tongue is Tibetan, a point which Tibetan students again brought to attention on 4th March, when around 700 staged a protest against the introduction of new Chinese-language-only text books. In recent years, Tibetan students have become more active in the resistance, representing Tibet’s future leaders.

Border tensions

Tensions are growing between the world’s next two superpowers; China and India, as they compete for political space, but physical space is also a dangerous issue. China claims the Arunachal Pradesh area of India, which borders Tibet, and troops have been known to cross the border, sparking further unease. In February, a group of independent Indian analysts filed a report stating it’s concerns that China may turn to land grabs to forcibly take territory from it’s rival, and that China may be planning “a major military offensive”.

Former National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra labeled China ‘a hostile country’.

The report said that if Chinese land grabs occurred, India should use "a mix of defensive and offensive capabilities" and recommended that India could attempt to trigger insurgency in Chinese-occupied areas, citing Tibet as the main example. It also said India could work to break China’s military infrastructure in Tibet as a means of protecting itself from Chinese expansion.

China has been using fighting talk in regards to India, with Hu Jintao telling China’s navy in December to “prepare for war” and confirming that China will double it’s spending on the military in the next three years.

Talks have begun again, with China’s State Councilor Dai Bingguo insisting "there does not exist such a thing as China's attempt to 'attack India' or 'suppress India's development.”

But of course the other question is how China can claim any opinion on the border, given that it is Tibet’s border, not China’s.

Scared to return home

Tibetans who make pilgrimages to Nepal and India are becoming increasingly worried about what will happen to them when they return. In January, the Chinese state erected a dozen new security checkpoints on the route from Nepal to Lhasa at time of the Dalai Lama’s Kalachakra teachings in Bodh Gaya, India, attended by 8,000 Tibetans.

There were also reports of over a thousand Chinese spies operating in the area during the event.

One attendee said “we heard that pilgrims are being stopped, harassed and threatened at gun point. It’s really frightening to return back but there’s nothing much we can do about it”. He had every reason to worry; reports of medicines and religious artifacts being seized at checkpoints started to filter through, and it soon emerged that hundreds of Tibetans had been detained and forced to undergo ‘political re-education’ in an attempt to counter the influence of the Dalai Lama. It’s thought to be the first time since the 70’s that China has detained such a large number of laypeople who have not taken part in any kind of political activity, and is likely to stem from China’s increasing worries about the growing resistance inside Tibet. CCP Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin tried to defuse the issue but ended up exposing what China’s panic is about by saying "some groups outside of China's borders wait for their chance to incite separatist activities” while Human Rights Watch said "there is no known regulation banning Tibetans from attending the teachings. (They) have not been accused of any crime. There are no reports that any of the estimated 700 ethnic Chinese from China who attended the Dalai Lama's teachings have been detained on their return, suggesting that the detainees are being selected because of ethnicity."

Matters were made worse on 31st January, when hundreds of Tibetans returning mainly from Nepal were surrounded by Chinese forces at Lhasa train station and forced onto a train, apparently bound for China. There are questions about their wellbeing, where they have been taken and why.

PHOTOS from top left: Chinese students ransack a Tibetan dorm, Chinese propaganda notices at the historical border between India and Tibet, crowds at the Kalachakra

Granpa Wen’s trip to Nepal

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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a surprise trip to Nepal in January. On the eve of the visit, Nepalese police rounded up 114 Tibetan activists and kept the visit a secret until hours prior, apparently at China’s request. Wen used the trip to promote China’s ‘One China Policy’ and reward Nepal with financial incentives for backing it. Though the influence China has over Nepal is deeply worrying, the fact China is so concerned with separatist movements that it needs Nepal to help defend itself shows these movements are effective. Wen was due to visit in December but abandoned the trip, with suspicions it was due to Tibetans planning protests.

China agreed to invest around £4 billion on projects like hydro-electric dams, will provide ‘training and assistance’ to Nepalese police and fund the ‘re-intigration into society’ of thousands of Maoist guerrillas. It seems in return, Nepal is becoming more complicit in preventing pro-Tibet protests, repatriating refuges and restricting Tibetans’ movements.

The same day, 207 Tibetans were detained in Nepal and told they must leave within 3 days, despite many having longer-term visas. With support of it’s old ally India, Nepal welcomed Tibetan refugees, but it’s current relationship with China is going in the opposite direction. Nepal also refuses Tibetans identity certificates, including to those born in Nepal. It may mean that techically, China can demand Tibetans who have never lived in Tibet to return and suffer human rights abuses. One Nepalese Tibetan said “how would it harm China for me to have an identity card? I was born in Nepal. I’m 17 years old. All I want is the opportunity for education and a job.

How does denying me such things help anyone?” China’s pursuit of Tibetans due to their ethnicity stirs worrying parallels with Nazi Germany and other expansionist regimes, and soverign nations would do well to be cautious.

Journalists in the firing line

One of the main reasons the situation in Tibet doesn’t make it into mainstream media is China’s ongoing ban on foreign journalists and it’s huge investment in security operations to prevent news from getting out of Tibet. In 2012, the BBC, Guardian and CNN have all managed to circumvent controls to file brief video reports, but it isn’t easy.

Below is a CNN journalist’s account of what happened when they filed a report from Ngaba.

It's after 10 p.m. when we see a light in the distance. We've traveled for more than three hours. We're so close, only an hour or so away. And then the light. Within minutes, we grind to a halt. A policeman is flashing a flashlight in my face. We won't be going any farther tonight. Roadblocks like this are strewn across the back roads of this province.

As our car turns back, our driver calls a Tibetan contact. Something serious is going down. The Tibetan says his village is crawling with police and the military. Two Tibetans are killed in protests. We ask what the local Han Chinese settlers are hearing. They tell us they have little time for the Tibetans. They call them lazy; one woman claims the Han Chinese are being targeted by violent Tibetan gangs. There is hysteria, bigotry and fear here. It is fueled by government secrecy and a constant stream of military and police vehicles. Much of the province is in lockdown. Police vehicles are seen moving into position at dawn. Soon, they are on every corner, armed police patrolling the streets. It's hard to get people to talk here. We see a group of young monks who tell us they are verbally abused and harassed by police, pushed to breaking point. "I cannot bear it any longer," says one. "You can see all the security out there. Wherever you go, they see you. We cannot go anywhere." We ask if he's afraid, but he just looks at a picture of the Buddha, a smile on his face. "I can't explain, but I'm not afraid." In their pouch, the monks hold a secret keepsake of the Dalai Lama. They know about the self-immolations; they say they support them and vow it will continue until China leaves Tibet. Throughout our interview, we have been watched. Later, our vehicle is followed. Our driver says his family has received threatening phone calls. On our way to the airport a car, suspiciously, rams into the back of our taxi. We are followed and eventually we're grabbed by police, detained and questioned for five hours. Police keep some of our video. They want to know who we spoke to and why we want to cover this story. Later, Chinese authorities blacked out CNN when our report aired.

The Chinese state continues to blame the media for stirring up tensions; a tactic apparently designed to avoid focusing on the actual issues reported. State Council press officer minister Wang Chen said “we don't accept are double standards based on a Cold War mentality," appearing to misunderstand that journalists do not represent governments, they simply report things. “We must provide more positive information to the public," added the People’s Daily’s Wang Fang, to which Erik Izraelewicz of Le Monde responded "(they) should not have to judge whether news is negative or positive, just whether there is any news. Our mission is to inform.” Until China adopts a professional attitude to reporting, it’s news agencies will never receive the respect afforded journalists risking abuse by reporting the reality from Tibet.

PHOTOS from top: Nepalise police brutality, police removing Tibetans, pictures from the CNN report, which you can watch at http://bit.ly/ynAdG1 Video reports by the BBC can be seen at http://bit.ly/zFBElU and by the Guardian at http://bit.ly/A98TjX

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Sangay in the UK

SFT UK board members met the new Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay at Westminster in December. He was pushing for UK support, saying that China’s economic strength is no excuse for either rights violations or for other nations’ inaction. He also met the Tibetan community, saying that “we must work hard, then you can have no regrets. We have to believe”. Meanwhile CCP state TV blocked a BBC interview in which he said "people are choosing death over life inside Tibet. This proves how repressive the policies of the Chinese government are."

Holy state oppression, Batman!

Everybody knows when Hu Jintao starts spouting his propaganda, that he’s the Joker. When Wen Jiabao says things are harmonious in Tibet while crackdowns intensify, he sounds like the Riddler. And with the way Chinese diplomats scrub up well in suits but act like gangsters, any number of them resemble Two-Face.

But these pantomime villains have taken things a step further; by actually roughing up Batman.

Christian Bale was in China to promote his film ‘The Flowers of War’ when he decided to visit one of his heroes, blind Chinese rights activist Chen Guangcheng, who has been held under house arrest and beaten by some of the 200 Chinese police assigned to his village since his release from prison in 2010. Taking along a CNN camera crew, Bale was stopped at Chen’s house.

When he asked "why can I not visit this man?", several officers pushed Bale and the reporters back into their car, which security followed for half an hour. Bale said "local people are standing up to the authorities and insisting on going to visit Chen and his family and getting beaten up for it; I want to support what they are doing." So China’s plot to hide their intimidation is foiled again. Like Batman’s enemies, one day China will have to pay for it’s crimes .

CCP Tibet shakeup

The crisis in Tibet has led to a string of sackings in the Chinese Communist Party, as officials deemed responsible for allowing mass protests to occur have been stripped of their positions. But there has also been a notable promotion. Shi Jun, who has pressed for the hard line approach to Tibetan dissent which has seen a string of beatings, shootings and arrests, was rewarded with a police chief role in Sichuan province, incorporating Ngaba. It isn’t uncommon for officials to be honoured for orchestrating violence against Tibetans; governing Tibet is often seen as a testing ground for would-be Party bosses. But this time, another CCP official has spoken out about the madness in the Party’s method.

Cadre Luo Feng criticised the promotion, saying that monasteries in areas Mr Shi governed were like relics from the cultural revolution; crawling with Party officials, while the streets were like war zones in Libya or Iraq. He also wrote that in streets in Ngaba there was “a guard every three paces and a sentry every five”, and also that Chinese ‘development’ in the area was having a detrimental effect on Tibetan herdsmen. Luo Feng also criticized Shi Jun’s view of Tibetans, claiming he called them ''ferocious and stupid''. Luo Feng could not be contacted following the publication of his letter.

The incident displays some of the deep divisions within the CCP, who seem increasingly confused about how to deal with the increase in Tibetan dissent. The Deputy Head of the CCP’s United Front Work Force, Zhu Weiqun, has recently indicated that the state’s approach of ‘celebrating’ ethnic differences may not be working, and there have been suggestions of more focus on assimilating non-Chinese groups. Though this approach will be yet another obstacle for the Tibetan people, the fact that the CCP is so concerned about ethnic diversity shows two things; that it is well aware and fears the fact that Tibetans hold a separate national identity and that movements like Lhakar are terrifying the regime. If Tibetans can mobilise and resist, so will others. Liu Zuoming replaces Shi Jin, stating he will ‘smash’ dissent... a common approach which has failed thus far.

Shocking video surfaces

Footage has been leaked from Tibet which shows Chinese police in Dogde Town conducting raids on Tibetan homes in which they use brutal and unnecessary force against unarmed civilians. Filmed in 2008, the footage shows China’s heavy-handed reaction to protests in the area; dozens of troops dragging villagers out of their homes at gunpoint and questioning them, visibly causing a huge amount of distress. The reasons for them being targetted and whether they’ve committed crimes is unclear.

Those questioned are roughed up and bullied, with one Tibetan man being surrounded by police in his home and suddenly punched in the face despite offering no resistance to the officials, after which police laugh to camera, celebrating the abuse they’ve carried out. But the intimidation was clearly ineffective; the day after the footage was filmed, nuns from the nearby Sera monastery led protests against Chinese rule. There have been a series of shocking videos obtained from Tibet recently including footage of the self-immolation of the nun Palden Choetso and film of convoys of military trucks on roads to Tibet.

PHOTOS from top left: Pema and Tsephel with Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Thubten Samdup, Christian Bale is removed by police, stills showing police beatings; the video can be seen at http://bit.ly/rOYJE4

Protest is popular

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As Tibetan dissent becomes a larger concern for Chinese authorities, closer to Beijing things are also heating up. Protests by Chinese citizens are becoming more and more frequent, with an average of around 500 ‘mass incidents’ every single day. But recent months have seen a first for Chinese people power; a whole town rejecting state control and branching out on its own. The fishing village of Wukan took centre stage in September, when Xue Jinbo, a local man who had been protesting against illegal land deals by corrupt officials, died in mysterious circumstances in police custody.

The villagers protested, leading to beatings from riot police, but this only inspired the local people to step up demonstrations, leading to Communist Party officials fleeing.

With the village being controlled by civilians, the state sent in negotiators, but villagers refused to make compromises, with a spokesman saying “we turned down the offer.

We want them to admit responsibility for the bloodshed when the riot police beat us, admit that we have a legal complaint, admit that the village representatives are a legal negotiating team, and to return all of our land to us, for us.” Around 1,000 troops attempted to take back the town, but villagers prevented them from entering. The state’s next tactic was to starve the villagers out, setting up a ‘ring of steel’ around Wukan and preventing deliveries to the 20,000 population. Village leaders said they suspected the state would ‘blink first’ and despite their fishing boats being shut in by Chinese forces, villagers formed secret links with a nearby town to smuggle food and water in on motorbikes. As the siege continued, state patrols became frustrated by the number of journalists and Chinese people from surrounding areas coming to Wukan to show their support for the villagers. “We were very scared a day or two ago, but now, with the whole world watching, we don’t think they will dare do anything to us” said a villager who only half-jokingly labeled himself ‘Foreign Minister of Wukan’, denoting the fact that by this time Wukan had spent two months operating without any government control; effectively like an independent state. In the end, the regime caved in when villagers organised a march to recruit the next town to join their cause, and made some interesting concessions; releasing protesters they had detained without charge, promising to investigate corruption and recognising the democratically elected village leaders as officials.

A Chinese citizen who visited to show support underlined the CCP’s deepest fears over situations like what transpired in Wukan; “we really admire what’s happening in Wukan, especially those of us who believe the one-party system is broken. This country is so corrupt, I truly believe that without real political reforms and freedom, we will have another revolution.” Wukan’s ‘revolutionaries’ used contacts in Hong Kong to get global attention, posting pictures of villagers with pikes and sticks, defending their city from state invasion on the web and frequently changing their sim cards to avoid tapping. They showed that even in China, a resolute few can stage a resistance movement. And they aren’t alone.

2012 began with new waves of strikes and protests across China over diverse issues from economics to environment to human rights. And the state is feeling the pinch; forced to back down when workers at power plants, including state-owned Pangang Steel, significant as it supplies China’s military, demanded pay rises and when locals protested polluting plants in Haimen and Shanghai. Experts say there are at least 625,000 villages in China in the same position as Wukan, making the CCP nervous for the future.

Hanging Chinese leaders

In light of the outbreak of protests across Tibet and the continuing self-immolations, the Chinese state has had a brainwave on how to get Tibetans onside. Withdraw some of the huge number of troops flooding Tibetan areas? Allow media and information access so Tibetans can tell their stories? Grant Tibetans the kind of rights and freedoms they would enjoy almost anywhere else in the world? No, the Chinese state has instead decided to print millions of pictures of Chinese leaders and send them to Tibetan towns and monasteries so that Tibetans can hang them up and revere them just as they do hidden pictures of the Dalai Lama and other spiritual leaders.

The move, which at a less tragic time could be seen by observers as a great piece of comedy by the CCP, is sadly meant in all seriousness, and shows just how out of touch with reality Chinese leaders really are. But Tibetans are having the last laugh. As in English, the Chinese word for ‘hang’ means ‘to hang up’ but can also mean ‘dead’, so when CCP cadres visit to ask them if they have hung up their leaders’ portraits, Tibetans are confirming “oh yes they’re hung. We’ve hung them all!” 干部挨家挨户问：领导人都挂了吗？那边答：挂了，都挂了！

PHOTOS from top left: Wukan villagers hold a rally, a villager casts her vote, ballot boxes out in the open as Wukan goes democratic, stills from a video showing Chinese citizens in Shishou icking the collective arse of a scores of Chinese soldiers; http://bit.ly/wwoJ1K photos handed out.

China: rule of law still missing

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The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance filed a report in February criticising the Chinese government over the enforced disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama, who went missing aged six in 1995. The report rejects China’s claim that the Panchen Lama is ‘not under house arrest’ and that he is living a normal life but does not wish to be identified. The UN Committee against Torture, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief have all demanded that China reveals the true whereabouts and wellbeing of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.

The new report also raises the forced disappearance of around 300 monks detained in Ngaba in April 2011, 54 Tibetans detained in Kardze in June and July and Lama Jigme, who was arrested again in August, reminding China that all of these cases are in violation of international law, and commenting on China’s plans to change it’s own laws to allow forced disappearance, saying “this heinous practice is not permitted under any circumstances. No exceptional circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to justify an enforced disappearance.” (On 14th March, China passed a law ‘allowing’ police to detain suspects of ‘endangering state security’ for 6 months without charge, which they already do in practice). The report also deemed the treatment of Lobsang Kelsang and Lobsang Kunchok, taken away after self-immolating in 2011, as a violation of international law. These cases will be discussed further within the UN Human Rights Council. Lama Jigme has been charged with ‘inciting to split the country’ according to a warrant for his arrest which has surfaced. His family were sent a letter saying they could challenge the case within the next 24 hours... but Chinese officials delivered it a month late.

In another case connected to the Panchen Lama, Jadrel Rinpoche, who led the search committee for the reincarnation, has reportedly died. He had served 5 years for refusing to co-operate with China’s plans to install their own choice of Panchen Lama, and his whereabouts have been unknown since the date when he should have been released in 2002, another violation of international laws on forced disappearance. Even more shockingly, it is thought the 72-year-old may have died of poisoning while in illegal detention. Another member of the search committee, Jampa Chungla, died in November after being refused medical treatment while detained.

China forces Tibetans to wear furs

The Chinese state has been forcing Tibetans to wear the furs of endangered animals as part of its attempts to show that Tibetans are allowed to celebrate their culture. Tibetans are uncomfortable with wearing endangered animal furs, abandoning it years ago at the request of the Dalai Lama. A Tibetan from Shigatse said "in the Karmay area the Chinese Government has ordered Tibetan farmers to wear clothes adorned with wild animal skins, such as tiger, leopards etc at festivals, or they will face a hefty fine. This is causing hardship on poor families who cannot afford the fine or don't have such skins or are able to afford animal skins. So people are scared." The orders may lead to people killing animals like tigers to avoid fines and arrests; worrying as there are only 3,200 wild tigers left in the world; 95% less than 100 years ago. The Chinese government agreed to a global tiger protection plan in 2010, but it seems ethics are abandoned when it comes to politics.

Second class citizens

New evidence of the deep-seated discrimination against Tibetans in their own country has been revealed. Job descriptions posted online and on physical notice boards and publications openly state that Tibetans will often be given lower wages than Han Chinese for the same jobs, and that in many jobs including menial, unskilled labour, Tibetans are banned from applying at all. ‘Limited to Han’ (or just ‘Hanzu’ as a ‘qualification’) and ‘Tibetans not desired’ are being seen more often in Tibet, and employment discrimination is also being seen against Mongolians and Uyghurs in other occupied regions. It’s reminiscent of the kind of backward practices which took place before the victory of the civil rights movement in America and the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, and grows worse as more immigrants arrive. One ad even stated ‘To make life easier, limited to Han’.

This discrimination is not only in breach of the UN’s International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, but is also illegal under China’s own constitution, which states “all nationalities in the People's Republic of China are equal.” The fact that key state agencies and state-owned businesses are ignoring the constitution again illustrates the hypocrisy of Chinese state representatives who insist China is a ‘country of law’.

China has long argued that Tibetans benefit from the ‘development’ of Tibet, and often cite statistics to prove it. But the reality on the ground shows that the statistics are being manipulated, along with China’s refusal to allow independent observers to freely ask Tibetans what life is really like. With Tibetans sidelined in education and employment, the stats reveal themselves as what they really are; window dressing used to detract attention from the real issue; the colonial occupation of Tibet for China’s gain.

PHOTOS from top: Jigme Gyatso, Lobsang Kelsang, Lobsang Kunchok, Jadrel Rinpoche, an ‘amnesty’ where Tibetans have discarded items they do not wish to carry including wepeons and rare animal skins, the Gormo-Lhasa railway, ferrying Han imigrants into Tibet

Tensions in Muslim communities

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As tensions rise in Tibet, the CCP is also having problems containing demands for freedom and independence from Uyghurs in East Turkestan. A further 8,000 officers were detailed to patrol Uyghur villages in February, which China says will consolidate ‘lasting peace and [social] stability’.

But ‘lasting peace’ doesn’t seem to be an accurate description of what’s happening there. Five Uyghur children were injured in a confrontation between Uyghur protesters and Chinese police, one aged nine. His teacher said "some people says he has been seriously injured by a bullet, which hit him accidentally in the incident. Three days after his disappearance, I went to his house to meet with his family, but I was not able to meet his parents or even their relatives because all of them have been detained over investigations into the incident.” A 17-year-old boy was also reported shot in the incident, with police officer Cheng Xianglong admitting one had been shot ‘accidentally’ and five children were being held, but it seems the wounded were not allowed to visit hospital. In Ningxia, also in January, Chinese officials denied deaths had occurred during clashes sparked by the proposed demolition of a mosque. Hui Muslims had protested against the demolition, but were pushed back using tear gas, knives and batons. One reported "they told us that the mosque was illegal. They beat us with police batons and bayonets, and the villagers gave no resistance. My grandmother, an old lady of 80, had already stopped breathing when they were done beating her." These heavy-handed policies are still yielding negative results.

It’s him or us... India chooses him

In November, China demanded that India cancel a Buddhist conference in Delhi at which the Dalai Lama was scheduled to speak. India replied swiftly, stating that the Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and is free to speak, and made a point of noting that people have the freedom to do so in India. In the end, China effectively avoided being close to the Dalai Lama by withdrawing from talks, showing again how petrified the CCP is of this man of peace. China continues to invest money to promote pro-China Buddhist leaders abroad as part of it’s drive to warp religious thought into a political tool.

Tibetans pull down Chinese flag

Tibetans in Wonpo town in Dzachukha expressed their national pride by pulling down a Chinese national flag and replacing it with a Tibetan one in early February. The incident took place at a school a day after 3 self-immolations were reported to have taken place in the region. The same day, Tsering Palden, Tsering Sangpo, Tsering Tashi and Dorjee were all arrested for calling for independence and the return of the Dalai Lama at Dzatoe-Khangmar police station in Trindoe. Also in February, monks in Lhatse and Ngamring dzong protested against Chinese work teams hoisting Chinese national flags on their monasteries.

Dalai Lama photo protest A few dozen monks and nuns were among almost 100 people who took part in a protest in Seda

County on 16th January in which they showed their defiance of the Chinese state by holding up a portrait of the Dalai Lama. A local Chinese official said "the New Year festival is coming up so they want to draw attention by creating an incident" but refused to say how Chinese authorities had dealt with it, while another official denied there had been any protest at all.

China backs Syria

Tutu lends support

China feels threatened by the success of the Arab Spring, fearing such protests could also be successful in China and occupied nations. It’s a valid fear; Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians and Chinese are all challenging the state. The longer China helps prop up internationally condemned regimes like those of North Korea, Burma, Syria and Zimbabwe, the more China is exposed for what it is; a sponsor of backward, oppressive regimes which mirror its own.

Archbishop Tutu, successful in his own long, peaceful fight against South Africa’s Apartheid government, said “I want to say to the Chinese government that His Holiness is the most peace loving person on earth. His Holiness has no army. He does not command people with guns.”

The Dalai Lama said of Tutu “maybe for one or two more decades I will remain, but your spirit will remain at least throughout the 21st century. Of that I'm quite sure. “ Tutu promised his friend that he would one day visit him in a free Tibet, urging God to hasten the day.

China and Russia have again shown their true colours by vetoing a UN resolution against the brutal regime in Syria, where President Bashar Assad’s forces have been conducting massacres as rebels seek to topple him. The veto prevents the UN aiding the rebels, appplied by China and Russia as they know they are guilty of similar abuses in Tibet and Chechnya.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama have long been friends, and the two Nobel Prize laureates met in India in February following the South African government’s widely criticised refusal to grant the Dalai Lama a visa to attend Tutu’s birthday in 2011.

PHOTOS from top left: Troubles in East Turkestan, the Dalai Lama at the Kalachakra, illegal in Tibet- a monk holds a photo of His Holiness, Syrians burn the Chinese flag in protest at it’s support of Assad’sregime, His Holiness and Demsmond Tutu

Rise up for independence!

Every year we take to the streets of London for Uprising Day, but this year has had special significance for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the situation in Tibet is as tense as it’s been since 2008, with protests and crackdowns almost a daily occurance. Second, it’s a year where Tibetans have been using new, inventive methods of resistance and third, it’s 100 years since Tibet’s last official declaration of independence. Tibetans have only ever accepted Chinese rule under duress, when they were forced into the ‘17 point agreement’ after the great Tibetan uprising of 1959, so Tibet’s 1912 declaration of independence constitutes the last legally valid proclaimation of Tibet’s political status by the Tibetan people. It’s that status that we’re working to reassert.

Tibet was independent before 1912; it had it’s own government, monetary system, border agreements and diplomats as well as it’s own cultural and national identity. Then, like now, China had designs on Tibet, for it’s strategic importance and resources. Then, like now, the Dalai Lama was living in India and then, like now, China was flooding Tibet with troops. But in 1912 there was a decisive outcome which both sides agreed; the Tibetans beat the Chinese army and forced them to retreat from Tibet, leaving the Dalai Lama to return and re-assert Tibet’s independence. China had invaded Tibet before of course, just as China had also been invaded, by Mongolia, Siam and even Tibet itself. We can always debate the history, and the Chinese government is always keen to point out that in the past, Tibet has been ruled by China. But they conveniently forget 1912, and the various points in history where China was occupied by other nations too. They say history is often rewritten by the victors, but the present is a different story, and as we’re seeing, the 1912 spirit is still with the Tibetan people. They reject Chinese rule; a rule which is only possible with more and more troops, more and more state controls and more and more oppression. Where will that end? Even China’s coffers have a limit, and policing Tibet is getting more and more expensive. In the end, as Egypt and Tunisia have shown us, military might doesn’t matter; the only way to secure a political system is to get the people to buy into it. 100 years after Tibet’s last declaration of independence, China has still not achieved that; in fact, they seem to be losing more and more ground as they spend more and more money.

It was great to see almost 1,000 take to the streets on March 10th; it’s important that we show Tibetans in Tibet that the rangzen spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of exiles as well, and that non-Tibetans support the independence struggle. Everybody knows nations only agree to China’s demands to recognise Tibet as part of China to gain China’s financial rewards. The problem with money is that it runs out. National pride does not.

Join the Tibet lobby force!

On 7th March, Tibetans and supporters in the UK took to the Houses of Parliament to meet their MPs face to face at the annual mass lobby for Tibet, organised by a coalition of UK Tibet groups.

Similar lobbies took place all around the world, calling on governments to take action for the Tibetan people at this crucial time. If you didn’t make it to the lobby, you can still start the discussion with your MP and help get them onside. It’s simple; you influence your MP, your MP influences the Foreign Office, the Foreign Office influences China. China may ignore us as individuals, but the UK is a key trading partner; if China values its trade (and it does!) it must listen to the UK and other governments, especially if they’re working together!

We’re getting there with the UK government. When Pema from SFT UK met Foreign Office minister Jeremy Browne in January, he said “we are seriously concerned over recent reports that young monks and nuns... have immolated themselves. We have taken it up with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, and with the Chinese Embassy in London. We will continue to encourage the Chinese Government to take that constructive approach.” The more we push, the more we get. Governments need to be more vocal about Tibet. Let’s keep pushing for action!

ACT NOW! their local MP. They’re not silent about Tibet because they don’t care, they just UK citizens can make a real difference for Tibet by organising a meeting with

need to be prompted. To know more about lobbying, any time of year, email liam@sftuk.org

PHOTOS from top: The demand hasn’t changed- national flags and rangzen fist independence gestures in Tibet from the 20’s all the way to the present day, the Avaaz petition of some 700,000 signatures is presented in a meeting with Jeremy Browne, Tibetana lobby their MPs

Low-key Losar

We didn’t celebrate this new year; Tibet is in mourning for those who’ve lost their lives in the current crisis in Tibet. But that doesn’t mean we remained silent. On 22nd February, Tibetans across the globe put celebrations aside and instead joined vigils and protests. In London, there was a Losar vigil at the Chinese Embassy lasting throughout the day. We started with music, playing songs banned in Tibet, making sure staff at the embassy and in the streets heard them.

Members of the Tibetan community all wore chupa and as the day went on there were speeches from MPs and prominent members of the community. Monks led prayers and the Tibetan national anthem was sung.

As the evening drew on, the Chinese Embassy began welcoming guests through the front door; unusual for days when protests are scheduled as China would rather hide Chinese guests from dissenting voices. The protesters made themselves heard every time the embassy door opened, and whatever function was taking place, it was to the soundtrack of ‘shame on China’ and ‘Tibet will be free’. Eventually a man who appeared to be a member of Embassy staff or guest sneaked past police to yell obscenities at the protesters, at which point he was quickly marched away by officers, one of whom was heard to remark “they’re allowed to protest; unlike in your country.”

Passions were running high as Tibetans crossed the street, but they focused their attention firmly on chanting at the embassy. If the embassy’s intention was to anger Tibetans into getting arrested, it didn’t work. The message is clear; China; in the UK, Tibetans are allowed to express their views and be fueled by their passion because rights are respected... unlike in your country.

Dalai Lama in the UK

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be visiting the UK this year, stopping off in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness between 16th and 23rd June, giving Buddhist teachings and meeting young people for talks about promoting peace and responsibility.

As always, the visit will offer fresh opportunities to talk about Tibet and to push the UK government to support the Tibetan people. Now that His Holiness has relinquished his political role, there should be no reason for China to object to the visit, but chances are they will, exposing themselves as a paranoid state intent on meddling in other nations’ social and cultural affairs while complaining that developed nations criticise China’s human rights record. China may never understand that unlike national issues, human rights are universal, but the Dalai Lama will certainly be championing these ideals while he’s in the UK. Tibetans and supporters will be welcoming him to venues, so please look out for opportunities to be involved in these events. We’re also likely to see the bussed-in Chinese ‘supporters’ as well, shouting at the Dalai Lama and doing their bit for their country... and an hourly wage. The Dalai Lama’s words, as ever, will be reported as far more honest!

Join the rangzen circle!

Nomad screening

SFT UK took part in a film screening of ‘Meltdown in Tibet’ and ‘Nomads to Nobody’ in Stamford in February, joined by Tash Despa of the Dispatches documentary ‘Undercover in Tibet’ and via skype by film maker Michael Buckley. The event was organised by Stamford-based supporter Janet, who has raised awareness and campaigned for the Tibetan people for many years.

SFT UK will be organising events like this throughout the year, focusing on both the big issues like nomad rights, movements like Lhakar and the artistic renaissance in Tibet and on individuals. One prominent Tibetan who we have concentrated on in our Renaissance series events, writer and intellectual Kalsang Tsultrim, has just been handed a 4 year jail sentence. He was arrested in July 2010 then again that December after distributing VCDs of a video in which he called for the international community to “act swiftly on behalf of the Tibetan people”. It’s important that voices like his are heard and local events are a good way to do it.

There’s so much campaigning we can do for Tibet but so little time. SFT UK’s volunteer board work in their free time, but with the situation in Tibet at crisis point we need to be able to dedicate more hours to the cause. That’s where you can help us by becoming a rangzen circle member- a couple of pounds a month can not only keep SFT UK going, but can help us grow for the future. In the last year, we’ve been able to pay for the national director to do SFT work part time, and this has really increased our impact and effectiveness. We need to keep that going this year, so if you sign up online to give us £3 per month; just the price of a coffee once a month, that translates into hours we can use to campaign for Tibet. Go toswww.sftuk.org/donate-us

PHOTOS from top: Resistance songs outside the Chinese Embassy on 22nd February, protesters reach the doorstep of the Embassy, Losar vigil in India, police monitor enforced celebrations in Tibet, the Dalai Lama’s last Scottish trup, Kalsang Tsultrim and the nomad screening

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and support The Tibet movement is changing. For many years, Tibetans in Tibet to great effort and groups outside have been divided. It’s not surprising; China goes CCP control. And in expense to prevent Tibetans from interacting with people outside to find. Well that’s certain sections of the movement, Tibetan leaders have been hard changing and it’s changing fast, both in and outside Tibet.

While it’s the same Since 2008 especially, the movement inside Tibet has diversified. movement is old repressive China, stuck in a totalitarian timewarp, the Tibetan ts, artists, writers, studen it’s ing, protest nuns and monks pushing forward. It’s not just of Tibetan society. teachers, lawyers, businessmen, nomads. It’s a real cross-section protests for And the tactics have diversified too. Tibetans are still staging mass gs, boycotting buildin off s banner flying mines, ding blocka freedom, but they’re also s and photos Chinese goods, using the arts to deliver their message, sharing picture ations like connot listic nationa with items ing display by s on the internet, defying control trated civil Tibetan flags and pictures of the Dalai Lama and taking part in orches It’s easy to foot. back the on state e Chines the putting is disobedience, all of which charge on them surround a group of protesters, round them up and pin some vague s simply stop like ‘endangering state security’, but what do you do when Tibetan the Chinese state that is r answe The ? chupas in work to up speaking Chinese or turn l pride. can’t do much except watch as Tibetans boldly reassert their nationa

”Tibetan people inside Tibet are our boss, we [Tibetans in exile] are their free spokesperson.”

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Tibetans in Tibet are getting more clever with every new act of resista nce. During the Chinese vegetable boycott in Nangchen last year, they cited their influences, prominently Gandhi’s successful civil disobedience movement which gained India its independence from British colonialists. The similarities must not be lost on the Chinese state, and look at India today; democratically ruled by Indians . When it comes to the notion of holding onto Tibet, China has a lot to fear.

“We know about your efforts on our behalf, especially your global actions around the world. Everything you do makes a difference for us.”

-Anon, message from Ngaba to Tibetans and supporters overseas

So what we’re really seeing now is Tibetans in Tibet leading a true independence movement. The agenda is no longer being set by Western suppor t groups and governments. These entities still have a place in the movement and non-Tibetan supporters will always have important roles to play in Tibet’s march towards independence, but the leadership dynamic is changing. Both inside and outside Tibet, young Tibetan leaders are emerging to front the movement, and that’s a great sign of the health and future of the Tibetan struggle.

inspired by what’s Young Tibetans, whether born in exile or having escaped Tibet, are make decisions, could they felt never who those happening in Tibet today, and even through the either that, just do to g learnin are lead the way and make a difference just standing through or world, the around es kind of leadership trainings SFT organis best the have already they , Tibetan a as up, taking action and learning that qualification there is to push for change.

for the Tibetans Nobody is pretending that they fully understand what it must feel like judgement on pass to n positio a in is nobody and who are self-immolating in protest, of the sion oppres stifling nt, consta the of them. It’s impossible for people free are fire on lves themse set who s Tibetan Chinese state to know exactly what s, helples feel they e becaus this doing aren’t thinking, but one thing is clear; they the quite Tibet; for hope no there’s feel they e because they feel suicidal or becaus of ahead lives whole their have fire on lves opposite. The Tibetans setting themse r whethe and state, e Chines the ge challen to down them, but they’re laying those lives unable is China g; workin it’s not, or s method their the rest of us can fully understand molation to stop these protests in it’s usual, heavy handed way. Every self-im g new creatin also are so doing are who represents a tragic loss, but those to stand up world the across ments govern and opportunities; new pressure on China out. flames those put will freedom only and take note; Tibet is burning and

‘Tibetan brethren, do not fall asleep under the oppression of the Chinese. Fight for your religion, language and customs... We want freedom of belief. We want freedom of speech, freedom to use our language.

We want freedom of movement. We want the freedom that is enjoyed by others.’

-Pamphlet in Serta

“Unite and work together to build a strong and prosperous nation.”

-Sopa Rinpoche, died after self-immolating on 8th January 2012

“I believe that Tibetans inside Tibet, as evidenced by the Lhakar movement, are seeing that the power is truly within their grasp. They are working strategically to take that power back from the Chinese authorities through economic, social and political non-cooperation.”

-Tsering TC, former National co-ordinator, SFT Canada

And a metaphorical fire is burning in young Tibetans across the globe too. Many of them have never even seen their country, others have lost family and friends or fear for their wellbeing. That fear has always been there in Tibetan commu nities across the world, but it’s changing. Just like anyone, Tibetans are fearful for their families, but fewer and fewer are scared of challenging China. Tibetans in Tibet are calling for unity; we’re hearing that word more and more. And if they can be unified, whatever region they’re from, whatever age, profession or beliefs they bring to the table, then we living in the free world have no excuse to not unify behind them.

“The Lhakar initiative ushers in a new dimension to the movement where Tibetans in Kham have now found more ways to inspire themselves to celebrate just than only every Wednesday. This quiet revolution, as believed earlier, is no longer quiet anymore!” -Tenzin Jigdal, Students for a Free Tibet India

“In Ngaba and other areas of Tibet, Tibetans are burning themselves.

We should do something for Tibet; llife is meaningless if we don’t do something for Tibet.” -19-year-old student Tsering Kyi, who died after self-immoalating on 3rd March 2012

way to end Unity is a buzz word in Tibet right now. Tibetans know it’s the only and being g molatin Chinese rule. They’re being arrested, beaten, shot, self-im fist of closed the g abused in prison and hospitals for it, but they carry on; keepin Kyi Tenzin t studen r-old resistance clenched, however bad things get, just as 19-yea should why And did even as she burned after setting herself alight this March. not just the Tibetans settle for less than what the they’ve deserved for so long; under granted be human rights and freedoms which every human being should Tibetans ago. years 60 international law, but the independence that Tibet lost over more move they’ll and are leading this movement now, both in and outside Tibet, ent, movem the running and more into leadership positions until Tibetans aren’t just they’re running a free Tibet.

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In exile, Tibetans are thinking up new ways to show their solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and stay true to their national and cultural identities. They’re making Lhakar pledges; little things they can do every day to always keep Tibet in their minds and to gain more and more confidence in their determination to see their country free. Like making a point of wearing Tibetan clothes on ‘White Wednesdays’, cooking Tibetan food, talking only in Tibetan with friends for a day, going to a Tibet vigil, sharing an online petition on Facebook, going to a training camp or talk, making a donation to a Tibet group, writing to an MP about Tibet or calling the British Embas sy in Beijing. These may seem like little things, but it’s all chipping away at the icebloc k; each small step brings this movement an inch closer to success. If you’re Tibetan and haven’t made a Lhakar pledge yet, or if you want to read more and support, go to www.lhakar.com.

You can read more about Lhakar in exile at www.lhakardiaries.c om.

“Complete independence for Tibet!”

-Norbu Damdul, 19year-old monk who died after selfimmolating on 15th October 2011.

% “We do not have the luxury of despair. At this critical time, we give Tibetans in Tibet a reason to hope. We must show them that their actions are being heard and met with overwhelming global support.”

-Pema Yoko, Director, Students for a Free Tibet UK

autonomy, not even basic China’s not going to give Tibetans anything; not independence, not back from China, and things those take to need human rights. Tibetans and their supporters solidarity with and nce resista of act an that’s what we’re doing every time we perform Tibet. Don’t listen inside back country their and Tibetans who are gradually taking their rights it be, and it’s let we as ul powerf as only is to people who say China is too powerful; China resist. and time will come. So make a pledge, get active

“Brothers and sisiter we don’t know if you can hear us but we hope you’ll receive this message... however much time has passed we haven’t forgotten you... We haven’t fogotten where we come from.” -Karma Emchi, rapper, from ‘Made in Tibet’

“When monks and nuns suffer so much under detention with beatings and excruciating interrogations, I would prefer to die than remain alive. How can we trust this totalitarian regime who forbids us from practicing our Buddhism? Mere thinking about those monks is futile.

We should rise up.” -Tenzin Phuntsog, died after selfimmolating on 1st December 2011

PHOTOS (2 pages): Resistance protests in Tibet, students protest, Tenzin Choetso’s self-immolation, military presence, protests continue, exile solidarity, lhakar, political theatre, vigils,making banners

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The battle for Tibet

The Tibet movement is a non-violent one, but the Chinese government doesn’t play by those principles. There are other, more effective ways to fight for the Tibetan nation than through violence, and the battle for Tibet takes place in various spheres and involves diverse methods of resistance. China is trying to fence Tibetans in, phase Tibetans out and shut Tibetans up. This is how they, and we, can resist.

Battle for physical space in Tibet

Tibet’s physical land is at the centre of the Chinese occupation. They need Tibet’s natural resources to fuel their economy, and they’re moving millions of Tibetan nomads off the land, confiscating or killing their animals and forcing them into concrete ghettos. It’s similar to what was done to the native Americans and the Aboriginal people of Australia, both of whom, like Tibetans, value and respect the land.

Reporters have gone undercover to show what’s really happening to Tibet’s nomads, and this March the UN released a report criticising China’s flawed grasslands policy, saying it’s science is flawed. UN Special Rapporter on Food Oliver De Schutter wrote that China’s claims that overgrazing is damaging the plateau (the main reason cited for resettling nomads) is exaggerated and that actually climate change and China’s own destructive mining projects are to blame. The UN recommended China “suspend the non-voluntary resettlement of nomadic herders from their traditional lands.” It’s the fact that this is Tibetans’ land which is the real problem here; China wants to move nomads to sever Tibetans’ ties with the land. These policies must be exposed for what they are.

Battle for cultural space in Tibet

China has a string of ‘ethnic’ centred policies which are designed to convince the world that it respects diversity, but one look at the streets of Lhasa; signposts and shop signs everywhere and not a Tibetan word to be seen, shows us what China really thinks of ‘ethnic minorities’. It sees them as a tourist attraction, dresses them up and presents a colourful, souless Disneyland where everybody is happy to be ruled over by the CCP.

The Lhakar movement is a real shift in Tibetans’ attitudes to their identity. As China cracks down more, Tibetans are getting more proud, and are dedicating more effort to resisting China’s efforts to surround them with Chinese language, Chinese food, Chinese clothes, Chinese pop culture. Tibetans are not Chinese, and they’ve been Tibetan since long before China existed. They’re doing it in exile too, breaking down old divisions to answer the calls for unity from inside Tibet. Tibetans are also using the arts to express themselves; poets, musicians, artists, bloggers are being arrested, but they’re also getting popular and with it, influential.

Battle for political space in Tibet

It’s no secret that China subjects dissidents to arrest, torture and often death, but that isn’t stopping Tibetans from standing up to demand political change. This year, we’ve seen protests in all Tibetan regions, where people are making flags, banners and pamphlets, all criticising the Chinese state. China continues to arrest, torture and kill peaceful protesters, but with every arrest they’re creating martyrs. People like Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche, Lobsang Tenzin and Runggye Adak have no doubt had an influence on the post-2008 protesters. When China makes an arrest, Tibetans gain a hero.

And outside Tibet we’re pushing for political space too. In the spirit of Aung San Su Kyi, we need to use the freedoms we have to promote the freedom of Tibetans in Tibet. There are now annual lobbies in the UK, US, Canada, India and Australia, and they’re starting in Germany, Scotland, France, Poland, Japan, Switzerland and Belgium. With the change of Chinese leadership imminent, it’s time to bring these demands to a whole new generation, both inside and outside Tibet.

You can read more about Nomad rights at www.nomadrights.org , more about Lhakar at www.lhakar.org and more about Tibetan heroes at www.freetibetanheroes.org

PHOTOS from top: a nomad brings a horse into town, Tibetans frozen out by the railway; sending resources one way and migrants the other, Tibetan kids struggling to maintain their language monks always being watched, Obama meets the Dalai Lama, troops patrol Ngaba

Politicians have had ENOUGH!

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On 7th December, ministers from all major parties took part in a debate on the crisis in Tibet at the House of Commons; the first parliamentary debate on Tibet since 2008.

Around 50 UK-based Tibetans attended to help press the UK government for action.

The debate came just a few days after Tenzhin Phuntsok became the 13th Tibetan to self-immolate, and led by Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes, MPs were keen to raise concerns about the military build-up, about Tibetan prisoners, naming Dhondup Wangchen, Karma Samdrup and the Panchen Lama, about the damage being done by forcing nomads into resettlements and about education and language rights. At the end of the debate, Minister of State Henry Bellingham, representing the government, explained the UK government’s stance on the issue, declaring that the government has serious concerns over the recent self-immolations, which it agrees have been caused by the oppressive policies of the Chinese state and especially by the state’s repression of Tibetan Buddhism.

The government’s views are in stark contrast to Chinese Embassy official Dai Qingli’s claim that the self-immolations have been orchestrated by external forces and the ‘Dalai clique’. Henry Billingham backed up Foreign Secretary William Hague’s previously made point that “we should urge the Chinese government to work with local monasteries and communities to resolve the grievances that have led to these self-immolations.” Simon Hughes MP addressed the gathered Tibetans and supporters in the main lobby afterwards, saying that the government’s statement was robust, and that there are now new opportunities to take the issue forward in parliament and gain greater support. It was good to see so many UK-based Tibetans attend and was very positive to hear that the government understands that the selfimmolations have not taken place in isolation and are a part of the much larger Tibet issue. In January, SFT UK’s Pema presented the Avaaz petition, containing almost 700,000 signatures, to Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, who expressed Britain’s concerns over the self-immolations and reiterated that the UK government is raising the issue with China. SFT and other Tibet groups have been gaining support from governments, including the US and Japan, while representatives of the EU have also voiced support.

There’s still a long way to go to gain multi-lateral action for Tibet, so please continue to sign and share the www.standupfortibet.org petition and write to your MP to get them to join the All Party Parliamentary Group.

Prisoners in their own land

The Chinese regime is a thing of extremes, and can be both feared and ridiculed. On one hand, China can be seen as a dominant force, imposing it’s power on Tibetans and on the other a paranoid and insecure body, fearing Tibetans who speak up. The number of political prisoners in Tibet reveals this fear. In November, a man from Shingtsang, Taktse was arrested after receiving a call from a Chinese teacher asking him to pick up his son from school, but when he arrived he was taken away in a car by police. He is thought to be connected to jailed film maker Dhondup Wangchen, which may be the reason for the arrest. Meanwhile, Kelsang of Ngaba was finally sentenced to 3 years for protesting after being held for almost a year, his family not even told of the trial until it had concluded, while Losang Tashi was charged with ‘making contacts with foreign countries’. Chinese forces are also prepared to shoot first, ask questions later. In a particularly disturbing case, a Tibetan man was shot dead by Chinese police simply for speeding on his motorbike, and Gurgo Tseten was also shot dead in Labrang for stealing tents being used by workers at a military airstrip. Locals have been protesting against the airstrip for some time.

China also continues it’s assault on Tibetan cultural and literary figures; another ongoing echo of the cultural revolution mentality. Two writers, Gangkye Drubpa Kyab and Dawa Dorjee, were detained on 15th February and theatre artist Athar of Litang was arrested on 20th February. Gangkye Drubpa Kyab of Serta, a teacher, was suddenly swamped by 20 police officers at his home, but when he asked what he was being detained for, was simply told police wanted to talk to him. He has not been heard from since. Once jailed, Tibetans continue to suffer horrendous abuse. Labrang monk Thapkay Gyatso, serving 15 years for his part in crashing a state-orchestrated press tour designed to show that everything had returned to normal in Tibet prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is reportedly in a ‘serious condition’, and is ‘half paralysed’ through abuse. With two of his co-protesters having died since arrest, there are serious fears for him and all those facing the constant threat of arrest, torture and death in China’s notorious prison system, which continues to ignore international laws.

PHOTOS from top: Tibetans attend a parliamentary debate on Tibet and with MPs such as Simon Hughes, military excess in Tibet today

Fifth generation Last generation SFTUK 5

Whatever happens over the next year, one thing is for sure; Hu Jintao will no longer be China’s leader. His allotted time in charge is coming to an end; a known fact which has become official as China’s next anointed dictator Xi Jinping has begun making state visits.

China’s oppression in Tibet has been stepped up in recent months in an attempt to quell growing dissent, but will Xi be more of the same or something different?

The protests against China’s occupation of Tibet and it’s abysmal human rights record will certainly not go away, as SFT and other Tibet groups demonstrated throughout Xi Jinping’s much hyped visit to the US in February. He was hounded by protests wherever he went, had Tibetan flags flown in the face of his motorcade, saw news coverage of the visit dominated by images of SFT’s banner hang off a bridge in Washington and couldn’t even escape the slogans in his hotel room. China’s next leader left the US with the words ‘Tibet will be free’ ringing in his ears, and they would have Who is Xi? been the overriding message of his visit for anybody else Xi Jinping is 58 years old, the son reading about it too. In fact, Xi Jinping made a point of of Xi Zhongxun, referencing the ‘Tibetan independence movement’ in his one of the founders speech after meeting President Obama; differing from of the Chinese other Chinese leaders, who have often referred obliquely Communist Party. to the ‘Dalai Clique’ and labeled those seeking Tibetan But Xi Zhongxun had a rocky freedom ‘splittists’. The idea of independence has strong relationship with the Party positive connotations in the US, and by insisting the US and was ousted for opposes both Tibetan and Taiwanese independence, Xi criticising the use of force at placed Tibet in the same boat as Taiwan; a country which Tiananmen Square. With the family disowned by the the US has backed for many years. Xi even relented that state, Xi Jinping lived the life there is ‘room for improvement’ for China in terms of of a pauper. Xi’s father also human rights.

had an interesting relationship with Tibet, as he But we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking Xi Jinping will is known to have had great be any different from his hard line predecessors. respect for the Dalai Lama Despite a colourful family history, experts have said that and treasured a watch given Xi himself has always attempted to distance himself to him by His Holiness. It’s from this history by proving himself ‘redder than red’, thought that the watch was handed down to Xi Jinping, and with Tibet erupting in dissent, the Party will expect who also holds it in high Xi to crack down hard on Tibetans and impose a regard.

Xi Jinping joined the strongman approach to the region.

CCP in 1974 and is currently Vice President. He is married Hu Jintao is likely to hand over the reigns of power to Xi to Chinese singer Peng Jinping gradually, first the role of Head of the Communist Liyuan (below), known for Party in October or November, then the position of her recording of the President in 2013. So we can expect Xi to be touring the propaganda piece ‘laundry world, including the UK, some time in 2012, and it’s important song’. His name is pronounced ‘shee’ and we make sure that though the Chinese Communist Party will despite his own family inevitably choose it’s autocratic leaders from the same stock of suffering greatly under the aggressive, ambitious princelings, there’s something else CCP, it’s thought he will which won’t change; the presence of Tibetan flags, slogans remain a steadfast supporter and demands for independence every time a Chinese leader of the regime’s visits a country where people have the right to express their harshest freedom. And to let the CCP know that after decades of policies and oppression, this 5th generation leader should be the last. practices.

Chinese leaders can be reclusive, but the research has been done for you! Read about the CCP structure at www.chinese-leaders.org

PHOTOS: Scenes from protests around Xi Jinping’s US visit, including SFT banner hang and floating banner

Bringing down dictators

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In recent years, the voices of critics of non-violent freedom struggles have quietened as the claim that peaceful movements don’t work has been repeatedly disproved. One of the leading experts on the strategy of non-violent revolution is Dr Gene Sharp, whose philosophy has inspired leaders of the Egyptian revolution of 2011, resistance movements in Serbia and Ukraine and which is used in SFT’s strategic planning. His book ‘Dictatorship to Democracy’ was written for Aung Sang Su Kyi’s Burmese democracy movement, and similar techniques can be applied to Tibet.

There’s an old saying ‘for evil to exist it’s only necessary for good people to do nothing’, and this is echoed in Sharp’s philosophy. Dictatorships work on fear and intimidation; tools like torture, military presence and bans on creativity, expression and communication are put in place to narrow the options of ordinary people. They are told controls are for their benefit, they must obey and millions do indeed submit. But real power continues to be held by the disenfranchised many rather than the oppressive few. Sharp says ”people long thought that violence was the real power. It took a number of historical successes to prove that was not true any more.” The key is to boldly, strategically and defiantly do exactly what they are telling you not to; resist.

According to Sharp’s principles, recent events in Tibet show we’re going the right way: • Have an overall strategy and vision of the society you want. Increasing demands for independence and slogans about human rights show Tibetans know what they want.

• Overcome fear by small acts of resistance. Tibetans are gaining confidence by refusing to use Chinese words and making a point of dressing and eating Tibetan.

• Use colours and symbols to demonstrate unity of resistance. Things like Tibetan flags, Dalai Lama photos and calls for unity encourage togetherness and anger China.

• Learn from historical examples of the successes of non-violent movements.

Tibetans launching the Lhakar movement have cited Gandhi as an inspiration.

• Use non-violent "weapons’. Sharp lists 198 of these; Tibetans are using them, like flying banners, boycotting, marking martyr’s funerals, protesting and subverting controls.

• Identify the dictatorship's pillars of support and undermine them. Chinese intellectuals, lawyers and even CCP officers have shown support for Tibetan dissenters.

• Use oppressive or brutal acts by the regime as a recruiting tool for your movement. Tibetans share photos, video and accounts of state oppression in Tibet.

• Isolate or remove from the movement people who use or advocate violence.

Despite over 60 years of occupation, the Tibetan struggle remains peaceful.

Resisting with violence is playing into oppressive regime’s hands; in an age of terrorism, violent acts can be used as an excuse to wipe out dissenters. Sharp says "as soon as you choose to fight with violence you're choosing to fight against your opponents best weapons and you have to be smarter than that." But when it comes to successful movements, Sharp insists “it is the people taking part in these struggles who deserve the credit, not me” and that’s possibly the most important part of the strategy; resistance movements succeed because of the commitment of those being oppressed to lead and triumph in their own movement. That’s what Tibetans inside Tibet are doing right now, and though non-Tibetans will always help, ultimately this cause will win with Tibetans taking the lead.

David vs Golieth... David wins

Lacking passion, around 100 paid Chinese ‘supporters’ were drowned out during future leader Xi Jingping’s visit to Iowa by a dozen or so Tibetans, who varied their chants to include ‘let’s take a picture, put it on YouTube; can you do that in your China?’, ‘are you scared? We don’t do anything- we are a peaceful movement, unlike China’ and ‘1.2 million killed but he looks happy’ to a Chinese counter-protester who was amusingly holding his own country’s flag backwards throughout. The Chinese Embassies are known to bus in and pay ‘supporters’ to counter news coverage of Tibet protests during state visits, but as always, China fails to realise that passion can’t be bought, and as a handful of Tibetans got noticed by cameras and the public, the ‘supporters’ shriveled, unable to deviate from the state’s script just as China is unable to back up its propaganda.

Just like in China and Tibet, though there are far more Chinese than their are Tibetans, the Chinese people do not genuinely support their government, making the committed and resilient few more effective than the silent majority. Tibet’s struggle against Chinese rule is a David vs Golieth struggle... so the slow, lumbering CCP should prepare for defeat.

PHOTOS from top: Gene Sharp, revolutions in Ukraine, Bosnia and Tunisia, stills from the video of the Iowa protest; see the video of the protest at http://bit.ly/AooKh8

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Blogging for freedom

Dechen Pemba interviews Tsering Woeser

As the crisis in Tibet escalates, the Chinese state is once again stepping up it’s control of the internet; an approach which it knows is increasingly unpopular with netizens. China is so intimidated by free speech that it’s prepared to retain it’s backward stance to prevent what it most fears; criticism. China’s new Communist Party Chief of Tibet Chen Quanguo demanded that "mobile phones, internet and other measures for the management of new media need to be fully implemented to maintain the public's interests and national security," and that he would “completely crush” dissenters. One voice Chen would surely like to ‘crush’ is that of Beijing-based blogger Woeser, who was again placed under house arrest in March in the build-up to Uprising Day. She was also barred from collecting yet another award for her work, this time the Prince Claus award for Culture and Development, scheduled to be presented to her by the Dutch Ambassador in Beijing. Here, Dechen Pemba, editor of the ‘High Peaks, Pure Earth’ website, interviews Woeser about her poetry.

Your poems ‘December,’ ‘Panchen Lama’ and ‘Secret Tibet’ are three political poems about Tibet. How much does the political inform your poetry and has this changed since you first started writing?

I believe ‘December’ is a turning point to me... In my book of prose, Notes on Tibet, I wrote, “… but being part of the Tibetans, my spine feels the oppression of a rock-like silhouette of the vast yet suffering Tibet. Between ‘glory’ and ‘helpless,’ I can only choose one of them, it’s an ‘either-or’ case! And what I view as glory, is not merely the ‘glory’ of a poet, but the glory of conscience.” A man of conscience needs to face reality and history. Yet reality and history are very harsh. As a poet, I could feel at every instant in Tibet the tension between reality and history. In the end this tension shattered the ivory tower that sheltered me.

What were your feelings when your book ‘Notes on Tibet’ was banned by the Chinese government? Did it come as a surprise or were you expecting it? Did that experience affect your approach to poetry?

Ah, to be honest, when Notes on Tibet was banned, I was a little shocked... After Notes on Tibet was completed, a few major publishing houses in Beijing had all read the manuscript, and greatly appreciated my writing. However, they all expressed their wish that I delete certain passages, edit certain words in order to publish the work... I was not willing to adopt their editorial suggestions. This was why the manuscript was held up for more than a year... My editor thought my writing was as beautiful as poetry, but interestingly, she did not even know who the Dalai Lama was. (Of course things are different today. After the 2008 unrest in Tibet, due to the Chinese government’s demonising propaganda, most of the Chinese today know the Dalai Lama as the ‘devil in a monk’s robe.’) This was why after the ban of Notes on Tibet, she was very shocked, and was forced to undergo self-criticism a few times.

Did your father (a half-Chinese senior commander in the People’s Liberation Army) share your love of literature and was he supportive of your chosen career as a writer?

He’d rather I became a journalist, a photojournalist, a news journalist… To be a poet is too dangerous. But I didn’t heed his words. He’d often warn me to ‘walk with two legs,’ meaning I could walk the path I’ve chosen, but must also walk the path designated by society and environment. One leg to walk one’s road, the other to walk the road that most take. I asked in return, ‘if we walk with two legs, will one of them break eventually?’ He didn’t answer.

How do you think your poetry style has changed over the years?

This question brings into my mind an email my husband Wang Lixong wrote me when we first met... He said, “Tibet’s present plight is sorrowful, but to a writer who documents, it is the perfect timing. So many legends, bravery, betrayals, falls, longing, separation as well as the mournings and hopes of an ancient people survive around you… you can write poetry and novels, but don’t forget to turn more of your attention to non-fictional work. That would be even more meaningful for your people.”

Also, for me, in terms of my present-day form and writing style, I’m slowly actualising the self-expression of a ‘Tibetan identity.’ This identity is closely interlinked with Tibetan geography, history and culture, as well as countless Tibetans’ life stories and fate.

Woeser continues to document the situation in Tibet, publishing news and photos about the current situation and giving Tibetans who are silenced a voice. She also has a huge number of Chinese followers. Read this full interview at http://bit.ly/A4XoMu and Dechen’s translations of Woeser’s work at www.highpeakspureearth.com

Save VOA Tibet! Another information lifeline for Tibetans is Voice of America’s Tibetan language broadcasts into Tibet, which may soon be cut. Help save them at www.savevoatibetanradio.com You can get a copy of Tibet’s True Heart’; poetry by Woeser, at a discounted rate; just mail info@sftuk.org and say you saw it here!

PHOTOS from top: Woeser has an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Skype, Woeser in Tibet

Staying safe online

The internet can be a dangerous place at the best of times. It’s not always easy to know what’s real and what’s a hoax or a scam. Perhaps more importantly than that though is how we leave ourselves open to attack online. Cyber warfare is the next battleground not just for Tibet but for so many resistance movements, and China is a world leader in monitoring, inconveniencing and attacking us online.

The Tibet Action Institute is at the first line of defence against China’s cyber attacks. You’d have to be a bit of a techno geek to understand how Chinese spies and malware programs get into computer systems across the world, what data they’re taking about you and you contacts and why, but you don’t need to be a techno geek to become a victim of it; none of us are safe. That’s why the Tibet Action Institute have launched a series of short, funny videos showing you what to look out for and how to protect yourself online.

China is playing the same tricks online as it does in the real world, only online they’re not restricted to borders. You’ll be fine if you follow some basic rules; don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know, set your Facebook settings to private, switch to the much more secure Gmail if you aren’t using it already, ditch Internet Explorer for Mozilla Firefox, change your passwords regularly, make sure you do regular scans for viruses, malware and adware and if you can, buy a Mac! But having said all that one of the best tips is don’t panic; using common sense online is often enough; as one of TAI’s videos shows, you wouldn’t let somebody you don’t know into your house just because he’s following your friend; why let an attachment onto your system? It’s true that China fears the potential for change that the internet represents, but that doesn’t mean they won’t use it to silence and control people!

New videos are being added all the time, showing in humourous and easy to understand ways how YOU are at risk and how you can make your travels online safe. See more at https://.tibetaction.net/safetravels

What do wwwe wwwant? China gets hacked

With the way it breaks down cultural and national boundaries to allow individuals free expression, the internet is often the great equalizer.

But equality isn’t high on the Chinese state’s agenda. In February, Chinese internet users revealed their desperation to escape the constraining society which the CCP champions when a temporary glitch meant that Google+, usually blocked by the Chinese firewall, became available. Chinese netizens used the opportunity to bombard Barack Obama’s page not with the anti-US accusations Beijing usually hurls, but with requests that Obama calls for greater freedom in China and for green cards to allow them to escape China and move to the US. They commented "oppose censorship, oppose the Great Firewall of China!" and "I'd like to grab a bumper sticker in my left hand and a green card in my right hand" (bumper stickers referring to a popular way US citizens publicly display their political preferences).

The incident shows that though the Chinese state orchestrates public shows of support from the Chinese people, the reality is very different. Again, the facts don’t fit with the what the regime is telling us. When Chinese citizens are given a forum in which to freely express themselves, their first priority is to try to find a way to leave China.

The hacking group Anonymous have been making a name for themselves recently by hacking prominent websites owned by governments and big corporations, and some have been jailed for their actions.

But in February they took on a new big fish; the Chinese state.

On the first day of the attack, 45 sites were disabled.

They were Chinese government, education and commerce sites, and the hacker, apparently a Dutch member of Anonymous, placed a banner on each site consisting of a Tibetan flag, an image of the Dalai Lama and the message ‘free Tibet’. The following day another 23 sites were hacked. Chinese state-owned sites are seen as a challenge for ‘hacktivists’, who seek to break down the kind of controls which the CCP impose to block free access to content online.

These particular defacements focused on sites which are thought to be owned by the Chinese government, and means web users trying to access the sites in China would have received the ‘free Tibet’ message.

It’s an ironic role reversal for the CCP, which is known to hack sites across the world to deny free thinkers information, such as the SFT UK site and many more. It shows there are cracks in the firewall.

PHOTOS from top: Some of the top tips from Safe Travels Online, the message left by hackers on various Chinese-state controlled websites, people give thanks to caomina, the internet meme which fights online censorship in China!

Unite for your rights

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10th December is United Nations Human Rights Day, and it’s a day where we join with other freedom movements to show that we’re unified in our drive to end the oppression of the Chinese regime.

China has a lot of enemies. It sponsors brutal dictatorships around the world; the head of an unofficial club of bloodthirsty regimes which would probably be consigned to the medieval history where they belong if China didn’t invest so much political and economic investment into keeping them afloat. Quite simply, the CCP is only comfortable with people who think like it does- we know that already in the way it silences dissenting voices in China, East Turkestan, Inner Mongolia and Tibet, and in it’s worrying forays into Nepal and Africa, always seeking to expand it’s control. But in the past year, China’s dinner table has seen a string of casualties; their friends are falling, and that’s leaving China looking more and more isolated.

China supported Colonel Gaddafi’s regime right up until his dying day, but he’s been toppled by rebels. They propped up Omar Al-Bashir’s brutal dictatorship in Sudan, but the South of the country has now achieved it’s independence. They supported Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, and he’s been ousted, while long-term friend of China Kim Jong-Il has finally left us. China continues to support the horrendous practices of Bashar Al-Assad’s Syria for as long as it lasts, while even in Burma things may be changing for the better. Some of these dictators have been forced out by the power of peaceful protest. Others have been overthrown by armed rebels or just died while on the dictatorial throne, leaving countries in a mixture of jubilation and chaos. Then there’s the option of doing what we all hope is really happening in Burma; gradually letting go of power so that the country can democratically elect real leaders and govern itself. What’s going through the minds of dictators is anyone’s guess, and how genuinely they are going to allow progress is always up in the air, but what’s clear is that dictators aren’t forever, and trhat’s why we have to keep showing them who’s really boss.

Of all these ways out, when holding on becomes too much, which will Chinese leaders choose?

Get active in 2012

SFT UK’s 2011 conference took place in Hull in November, and though terrible weather and bouts of sickness threatened to derail things, we had a great group of enthusiastic students who pushed themselves and came away armed with new knowledge, skills and ideas on how to build their groups and push for Tibetan freedom.

We were honoured to have Lhamo Tso, wife of imprisoned film maker Dhondup Wangchen, at conference, and she gave a moving account of the experiences of her husband and her family, meeting attendees and leaving them determined to campaign for Dhondup’s release.

After two days of interactive training sessions, talks, games and practical outdoor direct action training, we’d all had a long but fruitful weekend. We’d encourage anybody who wants to get active for Tibet but doesn’t know how to come to conference this October, or to join one of SFT’s larger week long action camps; it’ll be the most fulfilling weekend you can have, and the time just flies by! Contact us at info@sftuk.org or look out for info on the next conference on our website.

Help us ask ‘where is he?’

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima will be 23 on 25th April, and is still missing. Once the world’s youngest political prisoner when Chinese authorities first detained him aged just six in 1995, he has missed out on a childhood, teenage years; a whole life. And all because of his significance to Tibetan religion and culture as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama.

China continues to rub salt into the wound of Gedhun’s arrest by parading their own replacement Panchen Lama, the son of a Communist official Gyaltsen Norbu, who is also trapped for life in a game of political intrigue, towing the party line and being given substantial rewards though some say he himself would like to lead a normal life. Tibetans continue to reject the state-sponsored Panchen Lama, and China continues to insist that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family are safe and well, living in Beijing, but have still offered no evidence to support this unlikely theory. Join us for a birthday vigil for the Panchen Lama at the Chinese Embassy on April 25th.

PHOTOS from top: Human Rights day in London saw Tibetans, Chinese democracy activists and Uyghurs come together, practicing direct actions at Free Tibet! Action Camp, Lhamo Tso campaigning for Dhondup Wangchen, the Panchen Lama

Standing up for Tibet

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Amie of Edinburgh Tibet Society on how they amplified support for Tibet on the Global Day of Action.

It’s well known that the turning point of Tibet’s history came in 1949, when the People’s Liberation Army of China crossed into Tibet. Since the invasion, religious persecution, consistent violations of human rights and the wholesale destruction of religious and historic buildings have been ever-present alongside an evident destruction of Tibetan culture. But the occupying authorities have not succeeded in destroying the spirit of the Tibetan people or their national identity. The new generation of Tibetans seem just as determined to regain the country’s independence as those who resisted in 1949. This fact has been more evident than ever over the past year as wide-ranging protests and the unprecedented series of selfimmolations continue. The growing tragedy of Tibet could again spiral into a nation-wide crisis.

It's at this critical stage that supporters world-wide need to amplify the voices of these brave Tibetans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and their people’s desire of freedom. As Tibetans and supporters took to the streets of London and cities across the world on 11th January, this day also marked a critical point within the Tibet freedom movement in Scotland. Recently Tibet support activity in the Scottish capital had been quiet, but upon hearing the news of the self-immolations, Tibet supporters wanted the world to know that Edinburgh says Enough! to the brutal crackdown by Chinese authorities within Tibet. Members of the Edinburgh University Tibet Society as well as Tibetans and supporters from the Edinburgh area held a Vigil outside the Chinese Consulate in Murrayfield to stand in Solidarity with Tibetans inside Chinese occupied Tibet. Although at short notice, many people came out braving the Scottish January weather, determined to make the voices of Tibetans inside Tibet heard. We must support their call for freedom and keep up the pressure on our world leaders to take multilateral action to end China's crackdown in Tibet. Tibetans are suffering too much under Chinese occupation to sit back and do nothing. This is why the supporters of Edinburgh are re-lighting their activism for the Tibetan cause and are determined to bring the message of the selfimmolations to the forefront of Scotland’s minds. With a cross-party group on Tibet set up in Scottish parliament shortly after the vigil, there has never been a more critical opportunity for the population of Scotland to put pressure on those with influence and stand up for Tibet!

All too soon after the vigil we were reminded of how crucial these actions are. Saturday 14th January saw reports coming in of unarmed Tibetans in Ngaba being shot at indiscriminately by Chinese forces during a large demonstration which took place after another man selfimmolated. The fourth self-immolation in a week set the scene for how tense the situation within Tibet is at present and adds a constant reminder that whatever success we can derive from urgent action taking place, we must never stop our battle in the fight for Tibetan freedom.

Edinburgh wasn’t the only place where people stood in solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet; similar events took place around the world, including at the Chinese Embassy in London, to highlight how Tibetans are silenced in their own land, prayers were said and guest speakers included Thubten Samdup, Representative of the Dalai Lama in the UK and Northern Europe, who said "it is very moving to see that so many people have come here to show solidarity. It is so sad to see so many lives have been lost and that the international community are looking the other way. I think the time has come, for the international community to recognise that the Tibetan struggle has been a non-violent one, that requires recognition, and also it deserves rewarding. We have gathered here today to send a message to the Chinese, but more importantly, we are here to send a message to Tibetans in Tibet that they are not alone.”

With these events and also March 10th protests, the Edinburgh Tibet Society are showing how a small number of dedicated people can really push for action for Tibet. The group has also secured meetings with representatives of political parties in Scotland, helped set up the first meeting of the Scottish parliament’s new all party working group on Tibet and are also reaching out to bring the Tibet issue to the university’s Amnesty group. As Tibetans and supporters focus global days of action on gaining support for Tibet, China’s might is being challenged.

If you want to get inspired as well, come to SFT UK’s weekend training conference ACT NOW!(usually in October-November) or other events. Ask us when the next one is and book your place at info@sftuk.org and if you’re already in an SFT uni group, have you got a copy of our new resource pack and DVD? Mail us or get the pack online at www.issuu.com/sftuk

PHOTOS from top: Solidarity protest in Edinburgh, Amie at the first meeting of the Scottish All Party Parliamentary Group on Tibet, more vigils and protests in solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet in recent months, in Edinburgh and London

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Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche Still one of Tibet’s most prominent heroes

Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche is one of Tibet’s best known political figures and one of it’s greatest modern heroes. A highly respected monk and community figure, he spent decades championing Tibetan identity, culture, freedom and Tibet’s environment. He was just the kind of leader China fears; brave, dedicated and an inspiring figure who influenced others to defend Tibet’s traditions.

And it was because of his influence that the Chinese regime detained him in April 2002, giving him the death sentence on the charge of ‘inciting splittism’. He and his relative Lobsang Dhondup were accused of being involved in a bomb plot; a case which Human Rights Watch commented “was the culmination of a decade-long effort by Chinese authorities to curb his efforts to foster Tibetan Buddhism, his support for the Dalai Lama as a religious leader, and his work to develop Tibetan social and cultural institutions. “ After global campaigning in Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche’s name, his sentence was reduced to life imprisonment in 2005, showing that by focusing international pressure, China can be pressed to back down. But it was too late for Lobsang Dhondup, executed in 2003.

This year marks ten years since Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche’s sentencing, and it will be at least another ten years until China considers releasing him. But despite the time that’s passed and his ailing condition, stuck in Chuandong prison in need of medical assistance after years of suspected torture, he is as influential as he was when he was arrested, and that frustrates the Chinese state more than anything. “I am a Tibetan,” he said, “I have always been sincere and devoted to the interests and well-being of Tibetan people.

That is the real reason why the Chinese do not like me and framed me. That is why they are going to take my precious life even though I am innocent.”

Born in Lithang in 1950 and a monk since the age of seven, Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche founded institutions which brought great benefit to his people. He developed religious institutions for nomads, medical facilities and education centres. He campaigned against Chinese mining and logging which still today damage the Tibetan plateau; taking a balanced approach by acting as mediator between Chinese and Tibetans to find common understanding. And the Tibetan people have not forgotten. They continue to push for Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche’s release; many thousands signing petitions inside Tibet. His name is called at protests and there have been hunger strikes in support. People have been beaten and jailed for supporting him; such is the respect for Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche in the Tibetan community that Tibetans are risking their freedom to demand his. His family have remained steadfast in their support; challenging the court’s ruling and taking legal action to secure a review of the case. Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche denies all the accusations, saying “I am not responsible for these explosions or any other illegal actions they have pinned this on me. I have always taught people that one should not harm any life, not even that of an ant, how could I then possibly be responsible for such an action?” When he was first being monitored closely by the Chinese state due to the popularity of his community work in the 90’s, Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche recalled being called up by authorities to answer questions; “I was called to the Religious Affairs Bureau and the United Front Work Department. … They told me, ‘You cannot have photos of the 14th Dalai Lama, the young Panchen Lama, or pictures of yourself.’ And they said, ‘The pictures are getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger, and you cannot do that. And you cannot have a lama’s title.’ I told them that … I did not need the title of lama; I did not need the title of monk, but I did need the rights of a human being.”

And it’s that humanity which makes Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche one of the most celebrated Tibetan heroes. Despite the respect of the community, the fear of the state and the support of freedom-loving people worldwide, his attitude and desire remain modest. Even imprisoned, even ill and even with at least another ten years to go, he remains a symbol of strength for the Tibetan people, and it’s the strength of the Tibetan people which has always underpinned his work. We, Tibetans and supporters across the world will continue to campaign for Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche’s release. Ten years imprisonment is ten years too many for an innocent man.

!Using a particular prisoner’s case when writing to MPs, the Chinese Embassy, ACT NOtheWBritish Embassy in Beijing or staging an event in their honour are great ways to push for action. You can also help us support prisoners at www.sftuk.org/guardians

PHOTOS from top: Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche, kids show their support during the long campaign for his release, Lobsang Dhondup, killed by the Chinese regime in 2003.

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The March 10th events are organised by a coalition of UK Tibet groups. Video of London events http://youtu.be/C16H4K9giw0