Protests in Tibet began Monday, March 10, and turned violent Friday in the provincial capital, Lhasa.
About Tibet
Tibet is currently part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) (with a small part, depending on definitions, controlled by India). As an exclusive mandate, Tibet is also officially claimed by the Republic of China (Taiwan). In the Tibetan sovereignty debate, the government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Tibet in Exile disagree over when Tibet became a part of China, and whether this incorporation into China is legitimate according to international law.
Hundreds of monks begin a protest on the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Beijing rule, which led to the exile of the Dalai Lama, now living in India.
About 300 monks from Drepung Monastery on the outskirts of Tibet's capital, Lhasa, peacefully march toward Barkhor Street in the central city, but Chinese People's Armed Police stop them before they reach the city. Police arrest monks suspected to be ringleaders. All the monks were seeking the release of fellow Drepung monks, who apparently were detained as they tried to celebrate the Dalai Lama's receipt of the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in October.
Fifteen monks from Sera Monastery near Lhasa, joined by two laypeople, lead a peaceful pro-Tibet march from Tsuklakhang Temple, proclaiming pro-independence slogans, distributing pamphlets, and raising the banned Tibetan national flag at Barkhor Street. They are arrested immediately following brief protests, and are reportedly beaten. Nearby shops are ordered to close. More armed forces are deployed to warn people not to take part in any more protests. The whereabouts and conditions of the detained monks are unknown.
More than 130 monks from Lutsang Monastery in Qinghai Province, which borders Tibet, and 200 laypeople converge outside a government assembly hall and shout slogans supporting the Dalai Lama. Police stop the protest. There are no reports of arrests.
Twenty local Chinese officials convene a meeting of monks from Ditsa Monastery in Qinghai, but 70 monks walk out carrying a portrait of the Dalai Lama and shouting pro-independence slogans. No reports of arrests.
Tuesday, March 11
About 2,000 Chinese troops fire tear gas to disperse hundreds of monks from Sera Monastery who are calling for the release of their fellow monks and shouting pro-Tibet slogans.
Lhasa city authorities cancel leaves for all government employees.
Wednesday, March 12
About 100 Tibetan nuns from Chutsang Nunnery on the west side of Lhasa march peacefully toward Barkhor Street, but Chinese People's Armed Police block them. No reports of arrests.
Monks from Gaden Monastery, about 30 miles east of Lhasa, launch a protest. Police surround and seal off the monastery.
Thursday, March 13
The same group of nuns who protested a day earlier and were turned back try to carry out the protest march again. They have not returned to the nunnery.
Two monks from Kirti monastery in Sichuan Province stab themselves in the chest, hands and wrists. A reporter for Radio Free Asia says they were protesting the arrest of 17 people in the Sera Monastery protest Monday. RFA says the two monks are in critical condition and not expected to survive. Other monks from Sera Monastery are staging a hunger strike to protest the arrests.
Police arrest around 500 students from Tibet University.
Friday, March 14
Monks from Ramoche Temple attempt to hold a protest march, but police block streets and prevent the demonstration. Laypeople join in and scuffles break out. There are reports of protesters setting fire to vehicles, shops and a main market in Lhasa.
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