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British Council disavows freedom of expression
 [3 September 2010] In an act of pre-emptive captitulation the British Council disavowed the principles of freedom of expression when they cancelled the premiere of a ballet that was to have been performed on September 8, UK National Day at the Shanghai Expo. In a statement, the British Council said the ballet had become a “political vehicle”. This is apparently due to a personal dedication to the Tibetan people written on the music score by composer Pete Wyer ... more | Pete Wyer's statement |
50 years of Tibetan democracy in exile
 [2 September 2010] Today Tibet Society joined with Tibetans around the world to commemorate the 50th Tibetan Democracy Day. In a letter sent to Tibetan Prime Minister, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Tibet Society expressed, "its respect and high regard for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in his commitment in founding and progressing democracy for the Tibetan people in exile". A letter of congratulation was also sent by Fabian Hamilton MP on behalf of The All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet ... more | Full text of Tibet Society's letter | tibet.net article |
Four Tibetans killed by police during mining protest
[1 September] Chinese security forces have killed four Tibetans and injured 30 others after opening fire on protestors in Palyul County, Sichuan Province on 17 August, according to Radio Free Asia. About 100 Tibetans were protesting outside a government building, demanding a response to their concerns about the impact of gold mining on the local environment and the influx of Chinese workers which has led to overcrowding in the community. ... more I media reports
 TAKE ACTION: call for the release of Runggye Adak. Rare footage of protest speech now online
Three years ago Runggye Adak, a Tibetan nomad, was arrested for publicly calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet at the annual Lithang Horse Racing Festival. The Chinese authorities sentenced him to to eight years imprisonment for “provocation to subvert state power”. Footage of Runggye Adak's courageous protest speech has recently been obtained and is now available to view online. Messages from his family members calling for his release can also be viewed. Please take action to help release Runggye Adak ... more I view footage I take action
 Life sentence for top Tibetan businessman
[24 August] News has recently emerged of the sentencing to life imprisonment of Dorje Tashi, one of Tibet's top businessmen. Dorje Tashi was sentenced on 26 June, following a three day trial at the Lhasa Municipality Intermediate People¹s Court. The exact charges are not known, however, it has been suggested the harsh sentence may been due to a donation made to the Dalai Lama ... more
 Over 1,400 killed in Drugchu landslide
On 8 August, Drugchu County (Ch: Zhouqu) in Amdo (Gansu Province) was hit by landslides and flooding resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed and thousands have been made homeless. Experts believe the disaster may have been exacerbated by man-made influences and have criticised China for not heeding warnings that excessive expolitation of natural resources in the region could have catastrophic consequences. Also, a flash flood in Ladakh has killed at least 185 people ... more I Drugchu landslide I Ladakh flood
 Prominent Tibetan art dealer and environmentalist sentenced to 15 years imprisonment
Following a highly publicised trial in June, Karma Samdrup, a prominent Tibetan art dealer, philanthropist and environmentalist, has been handed a 15 year prison sentence by the Chinese authorities despite no evidence of political activities.
UPDATE On 2 August news emerged that an appeal has been summarily rejected by the court ... more
 Hague speaks up for Tibet during China trip
[15 July] Tibet Society welcomes Foreign Secretary William Hague's comments on Tibet during his visit to China. In a news conference on 14 July with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mr Hague said the British government has "long-standing human rights concerns" about Tibet. He added, "We want to see long-term stability for Tibet, which in our view implies work on human rights and greater autonomy." Tibet Society is asking members and supporters to thank Mr Hague for speaking up for Tibet and to call on the government to take measures that will lead to genuine progress in the Sino-Tibetan dialogue ... more | action | media reports
 Tibet Festival in the Park 2010 Over 2,000 people headed for the inaugural Tibet Festival in the Park on Saturday 3 July to join in and celebrate the Dalai Lama's 75th birthday. It was a wonderfully sunny and happy day, everyone enjoying the amazing performances and workshops ... and relaxing in the sun! Tibet Society was proud to be one of the organisers of this first Tibet festival in London and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the day such a success ... and also to all who came and not only enjoyed the afternoon, but also learnt more about Tibet and its unique customs, traditions and culture ... read the full report I It is not too late to support this festival; donations still very welcome! | www.dalailamabirthday.org.uk
 TAKE ACTION: Dhondup Wangchen transferred to notoriously harsh labour camp
[21 May] News has emerged that Dhondup Wangchen, the Tibetan film-maker who was sentenced to six year's imprisonment in December 2009, has been transferred to Xinchuan Prison, a prisoner labour camp in Xining, Qinghai province.
UPDATE [1 June] A new online petition has been created calling on Qiang Wei, Qinghai's Party Secretary, to release Dhondup Wangchen immediately ... more l sign petition | For a DVD of Dhondup's film, Leaving ar Behind (£1.50 inc P&P), order online, call our office on 020 7272 1414. Join Tibet Society and receive a FREE copy of Leaving Fear Behind with your membership pack.
 Death toll at 2,220; Tibetan arrested for private quake donations not going via official channels
[30 April] A Tibetan intellectual has been arrested for organising private donations for quake victims and not going through official government channels. The official death toll now stands at 2,220 from the earthquake that hit the Kyegundo (Ch: Yushu) region on 14 April. Local Tibetans still believe the number of dead is significantly higher, possibly up to 9,000. Over 12,000 people were injured and an estimated 100,000 are homeless. Chinese state media have been ordered to reduce the amount of reporting of the earthquake and not focus too much on the relief efforts of Tibetan monks. State media has also criticised the Dalai Lama over his request to visit the Kyegundo region ... more | Latest news - 30 April I Previous updates | Photos from Jyeku on facebook | Donate |
 Vigils held to mark the Panchen Lama's 21st birthday
On Sunday 25 April Gedhun Chokyi Nyima turned 21, nearly 15 years after his abduction by the Chinese authorities. Vigils were held in Bath, London and Manchester, calling on the Chinese government to release Gedhun and his family. Over 50 Tibetans and supporters attended the vigil in London opposite the Chinese Embassy. Almost 100 messages from supporters were displayed on windhorses ... more I vigil report I photos on flickr I further actions I online petition
 Major earthquake hits Tibet
[14 April] An earthquake has devastated parts of eastern Tibet. The earthquake struck the Tibetan region of Kyegundo, a remote mountainous area traditionally part of Kham. The epicentre was near the town of Jyeku (Ch: Jiegu or Gyegu), in Yushu county, Qinghai province on the border of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. An emergency fund, Yushu Appeal, has been set up by Tibet Relief Fund. This tragic news has also shown the breadth of Chinese internet censorship; in Chinese blog discussions on the earthquake, the keyword "Qinghai" is blocked ... more | The Dalai Lama's statement | Tibet Relief Fund Yushu Appeal | Prayers for eathquake victims | Photos from Yushu
51st commemoration of the Tibetan National Uprising in Lhasa
Tibetans and Tibet supporters marked the 51st anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising with a series of events in London. On Wednesday 10 March, Tibetans and supporters took part in a protest at the Chinese Embassy, a wreath-laying ceremony at Westminster Abbey and lobbied their MPs during the second annual Mass Tibet Lobby ... more | Press release | Dalai Lama's 10 March Statement | Photos | video montage | Tibet Lobby asks |
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