Rome, February 21 – A group of Tibetans stormed the Chinese Embassy in Rome this morning. They forced into the Chinese Embassy compound dodging the tight Security. The demonstration started from via Largo Ecuador, the place allotted by the Rome authority, which is quite close to the Chinese Embassy. Heavy rainfall obstructed the attendance of media and local supporters but the Tibetans were not deterred.
The protest began with an inspirational and encouraging speech from Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok Godrukpa, former TYC president. A minute’s silence was observed in tribute to the Tibetan martyrs who laid down their lives under Chinese oppression. The protest continued with recitation of Dhentsig Monlam and shouting of slogans before the Tibetans crashed the gate of the Chinese Embassy. Astonished Chinese officials Italian security personnels stood stunned at the sight of Tibetan demonstrators with national flags. The demonstrators unfurled a huge Tibetan national flag on windshield of a car belonging to Chinese official. The Tibetans were driven out of the Embassy after about half an hour. The angry protesters sang the Tibetan national anthem right in front of the Chinese Embassy.
The purpose of today’s protest is to display total solidarity to the Hunger Strike being undertaken by the TYC and Tibetan Community in Turin, Italy. Venerable Geshe Palden Gyatso, former political prisoner, Mr Sonam Wangdue, President of RTYC Dharamsala, Mr. Tamding Chomphel, vice president of Tibetan community in Italy have been sitting on an indefinite Hunger strike to strongly appeal to the members of International Olympic Committee to reconsider its decision to award 2008 Olympics to China. The Tibetans demanded immediate improvement in the human rights situation in Tibet. They demanded the release of all the political prisoners of Tibet. Also in the list of demands was the unconditional release of the young Panchen Lama and Tulku Tenzin Delek.
This is the first ever incident of gatecrash at the Chinese Embassy in Italy. Protesters say it is prelude to more such demonstrations at Turin winter Olympic which ends 26th February.
