Amnesty International
China: `New level of desperation' as Tibetans set themselves on fire
18
okt
2011
In reaction to news that a 20 year old Tibetan nun, Tenzin Wangmo, set
herself on fire and died on Monday, near Kirti monastery in Ngaba
County, Sichuan province, Amnesty International said:
"This is the ninth self-immolation in recent months by ethnic Tibetans
and indicates a new level of desperation on the part of Tibetans
against the Chinese government's repression of their culture and
religious freedom," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's
Asia-Pacific Director.
"The Chinese authorities should heed the demands of Tibetans to freely
practice their religion and enjoy their culture. Instead they have
resorted to heavy-handed response that can only deepen and further fuel
resentments." said Sam Zarifi.
The Chinese government has responded to protests through mass arrests
of people including 300 Kirti monastery monks, enforced disappearances,
imprisonment, "patriotic re-education" of monks, and possible killings
by the security forces.
"The heavy security presence in these regions contributes to an already
tense climate. Those imprisoned for their peaceful protest must be
released immediately," said Sam Zarifi.
Kirti monastery is in Aba (Ngaba) County in an ethnic Tibetan area of
Sichuan province, which has seen repeated protests against denial of
their religious and cultural rights. Seven monks and former monks from
Kirti monastery have set themselves on fire in recent months. An eighth
monk from Nyitse monastery set himself on fire in Ganzi (Kardze) County
also in Sichuan province.