Around 200 people joined the Tibetan community in a protest and march on Thursday to “call for justice in Tibet. ”
The march was part of a protest day organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and was held to protest the oppression of the Tibetan people and to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the revolt in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, where many Tibetans lost their lives or were exiled.
The day started at Westminster Abbey where members of the all-party Parliamentary group laid a wreath for the victims of the 1959 national uprising.
The protesters then went to the Chinese embassy to hold a demonstration against the lockdown of the country and the oppression of the Tibetan people. The protesters were joined by several activist groups such as Europe Stands With Tibet, Free Tibetan Heroes and Tibet Climate Action.
“You can get tortured for nearly anything in Tibet, sending an email abroad, flying the flag or even saying the phrase ‘human rights’. ” said exiled Tibetan Amrita Assam.
Following the protest was a “peace march” through central London. The march started at the Chinese embassy, went by Downing Street, Westminster Square and ended at Westminster Cathedral.
The march was colourful, as many protesters waved the Tibetan flag and wore traditional clothing, and loud as the protesters shouted “China, China, China” and others replied with “Out, out, out”.
“I’ve been involved with the Tibetan community for 48 years now. I go to a vigil every Wednesday. We mostly talk about the people who are affected most, such as the two boys who self-immolated two weeks ago. Their actions go unseen and we to want try and prevent such tragedies and help the people who need it most.” activist Johannes Cats said.
“I’ve even heard there’s a joke in China where they say they won’t have to kill anymore Tibetans because we’re killing ourselves.” Added Jigme Rinzen.
The march was followed by a commemoration event at Westminster Cathedral Hall, where there were many speakers to talk about the situation in Tibet and to show their solidarity with the Tibetan people.
