I found this article this morning and found it interesting that China is not only detaining and deporting foreign Pro-Tibet demonstrators but actively seeking out anyone in Beijing with Pro-Tibetan ideals. A group of "citizen journalist" and Pro-Tibet bloggers have been added to the many activists who have been deported for demonstrating. Below is an excerpt from Reuters. Read it and let me know what you think.
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To the left is the facade and to the right is truth. Simple as that!
-Wylwyn Reyes-Campaign Tibet
photo from http://www.freetibet.net/
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by Wylwyn Reyes
Chinese police have been arresting and deporting pro-Tibet protesters like they were selling hotcakes. Well it looks like they have now moved on to reporters.
I thought China was offering free and unrestricted reporting during the games just as any foreign reporter would do in a democratic country. Well, just as suspected a free lunch never tastes as good as it looks.
John Ray, an accredited reporter for Independent Television News (ITN) was arrested near the "Bird's Nest" Olympic stadium and dragged to a nearby restaurant, where Chinese police threw his shoes in the corner and sat on his arms. This happened shortly after nearby foreign protesters unfurled a pro-Tibet banner. The reporter who had suffered mild abrasions and some bruising later said: "I wonder how this fits in with their solemn promise of free and unrestricted reporting... it was a wrestling match".
The pro-Tibet group Students for a Free Tibet, said two of its protesters who unfurled Free- Tibet banners were arrested while six other members were also detained for protesting nearby. They included six Americans, an Israeli-American and a Japanese National.
Beijing Olympic organizers said they were introducing three "protest parks" near the stadium where anyone could express their beliefs unless it would harm "national unity" and "national, social or collective interests of China".
Well, Ji Sizun, 58, a legal advocate from the coastal province of Fujian who came to Beijing to demonstrate against corruption was arrested after he applied for a permit in one of these designated "protest parks"to hold a protest that would call for greater participation of Chinese citizens in political processes.
So it would seem any speak of Tibet, Xinjiang, or even insinuating corruption in the Chinese government would result in a breif to 24 hour detainment followed by your foreign privileges getting revoked with an intensive interrogation and finally topped off with a sprinkle of deportation. Not to mention a little slam dancing with your new friends the Chinese police.
Imagine what happens to Chinese Nationals if they attempt to protest. Does anyone remember the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989?
More articles on protests during the games in China.
Tibet protesters deported from China
Protester hurt during pro-Tibet demonstration
For more on "Students for a Free Tibet" click here.
For more on John Ray click here.
photo from Tibet Will Be Free // A global blog by Students for a Free Tibet
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by Wylwyn Reyes
Lucy Fairbrother and Iain Thom were deported after Iain, an experienced climber, scaled a 120ft pylon outside the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing on Wednesday morning and unfurled a giant banner that read: “One World, One Dream, Free Tibet.”
When the two arrived back to the London City airport Lucy said: "We are only a very small part of this campaign and the ongoing struggle. There WILL be more protest." and Iain said:"It was definitely all worth it but expect there to be more. The job is not done."
Iain said he smuggled his climbing gear and banner materials in his suitcase.
“Airport security was tight but the equipment I brought in was standard climbing equipment,” he said. “We bought the banner in Britain, and we took it in blank and made it there.”
They were held by officials for 12 hours and interrogated for 5 until they were finally brought to the airport to be deported back to London.
I think the two are incredibly brave for making such a remarkable demonstration. I wonder if it will inspire other Tibet activist to take action. It did however bring more awareness to the cause.
The two are both members of the organization studentsforafreetibet.org you can find out more here.
You can watch a video of the homecoming here.
Photo form Views from North Britain
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photo by IndyMedia UK
by Wylwyn Reyes
So If you have been following the news recently you probably have noticed a number of Free Tibet demonstrations being held around the world. Most recently in Beijing at the Birds Nest Stadium where the 2008 Summer Olympics are being held.
There were the three Tibet independence activists that scaled the Golden Gate Bridge and unfurled a large protest banner reading “One World, One Dream, Free Tibet 08” during spring's Olympic torch relay.
There was Nyendak Wangden, who had rappelled from the roof of the consulated wearing a monk's robe & hood and simulated a hanging while holding a sign reading "Stop the Killings in Tibet.".
And now there are the 2 Britain's that scaled an electric Pylon and unfurled a sign reading: "One World, One Dream: Free Tibet" in Beijing last Wednesday. You can read my article about it here.
All of these protests were demonstrated by members of an organization called "Students for a Free Tibet" a non-profit whose vision is for an independent Tibet and to create a just and equitable world, free of oppression, in which there is respect for the earth and all living things.
Their mission statement:
"Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. We are a chapter-based network of young people and activists around the world. Through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, we campaign for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom. Our role is to empower and train youth as leaders in the worldwide movement for social justice."
This group of freedom fighters have been making headlines on a global scale and I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully these amazingly selfless people inspire not only us who fight for Tibet's Independence but for all people, globally, to speak up and take action for those who cannot protest themselves without fear of imprisonment, torture, or even death. I have compiled a list below of links you can check out to either learn more about "Students for a Free Tibet" or to start taking action yourself. Remember the Olympic Opening Ceremony is tomorrow and the whole world is watching Beijing right now. We have a little more than two weeks until the Olympics are over so now is the time to step it up!
Follow the links below to take action!
studentsforafreetibet.org
Activist Toolbox
Start a Chapter
Become an individual Member
Internships
Action Alerts
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