The latest news on the crisis in Tibet has Tibetan deaths at 203 (since march 14th last month) particularly in the rural areas, towns which are probably comparable to Red Deer or Lethbridge in the Eastern parts of Tibet, traditionally known as Kham and Amdo. The Chinese gov't has admitted to arresting over 4000 Tibetans, but as I will explain later, Tibetans believe it is upward of 5000 in connection with riots, protests, having the banned Tibetan flag (10 years in Chinese jail), and having a picture of the Dalai Lama in their house (Again actually a punishable offence in Tibet/China) undermining state security. There are more people with technological know how or cameras in Lhasa (the capital city), but in rural Tibet all this is being done in the silent to nomads, farmers, and monks. I know there are some who contend we need to let China change and give them time to do it their way. But when is enough, enough? How many more Tibetans have to suffer? As I mentioned before, Tibet and mainland China are treated so differently, just take a trip to China (Shanghai or Beijing things are changing as Phanuthier always mentions), then go to Lhasa and really try to talk to a Tibetan local. Tibetans are second class citizens in their own country. In fact, Tibet is viewed by the leadership as the most obstinate region of China, with it's own history, language and culture, and so as such is treated differently. It was the first place in Chinese Communist history in which martial law was ennacted behind closed doors before Tiannamen in 1989. Tibetans were shot like dogs in front of a few westerners back then, who have now become our most ardent supporters.
Back on topic, the Tibetan side has figures at around 5000+ arrested and as you know in China, this is done arbitarily, and in the capital city last month there were door to door searches. A famous Tibetan actress/producer/reporter went missing last month, and her husband and friends heard she is detained but don't know where she is.
Interestingly enough, Chinese state authorities have even announced that 4000 Tibetan have been and I quote "detained". Some Tibetans on the Tibetan voice program, are reporting torture including eyes being taken out and ankles being cut. Since all the Westerners were kicked out of Tibet a month ago (and Tibet is still not open to tourists other than Chiense, until after the Olympics is what is being said) Tibetans who as I said don't have alot of access or know how with computers or cameras as in other countries, are relying on cell phone calls (to get the information out) to India or the Tibetan radio programs broadcast into Tibet by the Norwegian and American government funded programs.
Additionally just some background in case you are wondering why the riots began in Tibet. It all started when Tibetan monks commemorated the annual national uprising day of 1959 (when Chinese did not live in Tibet ask any Chinese friend yourself, they will never claim their ancestors lived there pre-1950). Essentially, every March 10th, a few Tibetans circumambulate an area called the "Barkhor" a famous Tibetan market with political significance. They shout free tibet and some slogans risking their lives. This is done every year by just a handful perhaps a dozen people who decide to give up their lives and spend the rest in jail or executed for their beliefs. However this year, with the world's eyes on China's Olympics the Tibetans came out in greater numbers. Many were arrested, and the rumours that they were killed outside of the notorious Drapchi prison (please google that for research "Drapchi prison" of inhumane torture) incensed the Tibetans. So for the first time since Tibetans lost Tibet there was actual violence. Admittedly 19 Chinese were killed sadly (which is why Chinese for the first time have a right to be mad, but Tibetans have been peaceful and have been killed for 50 years, this year was a turning point out of frustration as Tibet was being ignored by the world instead listening to cries from violence torn areas of the world, it's so sad how violence gets attention and 50 years of peace gets a pat on the back), and 203 Tibetans and thousands now arrested. Soon the protests spread from the capital city to the outskirts and then to the most remote regions of Tibet as well. There are real grievances there and legitimate resentment. It can all be summed up in one sentence. Whether true or not, Tibetans perceived an invasion of their country in 1949, you have our country China, the invasion and fighting is over now, at least can you give Tibetans their human rights and ensure the survival of their culture? This is what the Dalai Lama is offering, to live in China, but to live freely without intimidation.
Here's a roundup of some of the news and some links to the info I mentioned:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080429...inaunresttibet
203 dead 5000+ arrested
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JD30Ad01.html
China confirms 4000 arrested
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JD30Ad01.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7372513.stm
3 years to life in prison handed out on 17 sentenced Tibetans, and I emphasize these are CHINESE prisons. Also hundreds of more to be sentenced in the coming weeks, all supposed to be done in a month or so according to some reports.
http://www.phayul.com/news/article.a...y+in+Hong+Kong
http://www.livenews.com.au/Articles/...n_for_Tibetans
However, monks in Tibet continue to be subject to “patriotic education” classes, in which they are forced to denounce the Dalai Lama, their spiritual leader, and pledge their allegiance to Beijing.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23964840/ - 8 Tibetans shot at and killed
http://www.vot.org/ 1 of the Tibetan radio programs broadcast into Tibet on shortwave. Many Tibetans secretly listen to this in the monasteries, tents (Tibetans have alot of nomadic people it's an old culture) and homes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb1XubPOPI8 ***Updated:These monks have gone missing after this protest, they only did it because Chinese and some other media members came to their village. You can see by their faces and reactions they are desperate and imagine if you knew you would be going to a Chinese prison after a protest, you would be acting this desperate as well. CNN was thankfully on a guided tour with Chinese officials watching them. In Lhasa this official tour with western media after the riots happened and Tibetan monks(usually lead our protests since they don't have family) came out and told the news to west, only to be arrested later according to news from Tibet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AaNvXfxf1M
All this is going on with China saying not one Tibetan has been killed nor has a single bullet been shot, until recently when they admitted they had fired warning shots into the air. It must have hit one of these protestors in the graphic images photo album (one of the few photos that got out of Tibet before China shutdown the internet and did something to signals for cell phones) I suppose:
http://www.phayul.com/photogallery/flash/2008/
Also facts:
* Despite repeated calls for a consulate office in Tibet by India and the U.S amongst other countries, Tibet is closed off to consulates since 1959.
* No media station has permanent reporter/station in Tibet other than China. If reporters want to come their background/reporting is checked and they are issued special permits to report. Tibetans caught talking with western reporters are watched. It is difficult to talk.
Tibet Crisis Update: Deaths 203 Arrests and Torture Rampant 4000-5000 in Jail
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