Three members of Students for a Free Tibet scaled the Chinese consulate in Calgary and dropped a massive (10ft by 15ft) banner from the roof of the building that read RISE UP, RESIST, RETURN: FREE TIBET. This action was met with cheers and support from other SFTers and members of the Tibetan community. Bewildered news camera crews immediately caught on to the action and were able to cover most of the action making it onto the evening news. Camera crews were seen asking the protesters below, who were sporting signs and yelling Free Tibet slogans, who was behind the action only to be told “by SFT”.
The action was in commemoration of Tibet’s 48th Uprising Day. Confused Chinese officials ventured outside to view what all the commotion was about and were apparently rather unsure of what was happening. One official was overheard telling a police officer “Who did this? Take it down immediately!” to which the officer replied “I don’t know who did it and we’re not responsible to take it down” this apparent confusion between officials and authorities allowed the banner to remain up for the duration of the protest.
All of us quickly dispersed as more police showed up and allowed them to sort out who would take down our banner. The action was a little nerve wracking but so worth it. We hope that everyone else’s actions went just as well if not better and hope that this has given individuals the strength not to give up and continue in the struggle.
BOD RANGZEN!
SFT Calgary, Canada
