Zurich, February 1, 2003 – More than 300 Tibetans have been protesting on two consecutive days against the execution of Lobsang Dhondup. The Tibetan groups in Switzerland also launched a letter campaign to the Swiss government. The letter demands Tenzin Deleg Rinpoches immediate release. The Tibetan organisation also asked the Swiss government to revise their China policy. The ongoing human rights dialogue with China has been criticized by the Tibetan organisations for its ineffectiveness.
Friday evening 1 february, appoximately 300 Tibetans have gathered in Zurich and hold a vigil and asked the passers-by to join next days rally. It was the coldest day of this winter. Despite the harsh conditions the protesters remained on the spot for more than two hours.
The next day, the march started at 13.00 hrs. They carried a big banner saying “China murdered Lobsang Dhondup”. The protesters were wearing headbands and t-shirts with the text “kill me”. While they marched to the Chinese Consulate they screamed their own names followed by an “kill me” by all protesters. The Tibetans were forbidden to deliver the memorandum as promised by the police. Over the night someone has spread blood all over the entrance of the consulate.
The two manifestations attracted the attention of the Swiss news agency, a local Zurich radio station and some newspapers.
Submitted by Tibetan Youth Association in Europe
