New details of ongoing protests and political prisoners as people throughout China celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Tibet intense security and control measures remain in place following a wave of protests that swept the plateau since March 2008.
In Lhasa and other cities, Tibetans have been compelled to participate in birthday celebrations for the PRC despite widespread fear and tensions, and military patrols have been stepped up. There have been restrictions on foreign tourists from entering the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) until a week after the celebrations are over.
Mary Beth Markey, ICT Vice President for International Advocacy for ICT, said today: "The critical distinction for Tibetans in this 60th anniversary is that the Chinese Communist Party brought revolution to China and occupation and oppression to Tibet.
The Chinese authorities understand this distinction and that is why security and control measures not parades are everywhere throughout Tibet today. The Tibetans, many of whom have been taking great risks to demonstrate their loyalty to the Dalai Lama, will celebrate only when he returns to Tibet."
Information for this report was provided by ICT.