By Ben Tsui
Calgary, Alberta, Canada – March 19 – Despite a stronger presence by the Calgary Police force, angry Pro-Tibetan demonstrators who were concerned and saddened with the on-going violence and crackdown in all regions of Tibet and China again peacefully challenged the Chinese Consulate this afternoon. Communist employees continued to intimidate our Tibetan community by videotaping everyone atop their barricaded roof. Protesters and their Canadian friends came in solidarity to deliver prayers for their fallen brothers and sisters. Countless sympathetic passers-by honked their vehicle horns and gave supportive peace signs out their windows as several Chinese watchmen exchanged walkie-talkie conversations above. Almost a hundred Tibetans, Canadian supporters, media reporters and policemen cluttered the lengthy sidewalk beside the fortified compound. Every time one of the media photographers attempted to capture pictures of the people above, they would cowardly dashed away from the overlooking ledges. One quickly drawn down his dark sunglasses; yet another covered the face by using his jacket hood.
Radio, television and print media presences were well attended today. News writer Trevor Howell hoped that the 2008 Beijing Olympic could “shine a spotlight and address the Tibetan-China issue!” Photographer Laura Pedersen complaint, “Sadly, our government sent soldiers to Afghanistan and Iraq but offered no humanitarian approaches to this desperate situation.” Reporter Ruth Lloyd added, “Of course, humanity takes a back seat to (Canadian international) business, which it shouldn’t happen here!”
Across the street, several uniformed tactical police stood readily by their bicycles. One plain-clothed patrolling officer casually remarked, “We are here to protect our client, and your people (Tibetans).”
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has said recently, “I therefore appeal to the Chinese leadership to stop using force and address the long-simmering resentment of the Tibetan people through dialogue with the Tibetan people. I also urge my Tibetans not to resort to violence.”
To date, the death toll has reached over 100 according to some sources. The Chinese Government has repeatedly asserted that no force was used but the photographic evidences and eyewitness accounts have proven otherwise. Since foreign media and tourists have been expelled out of Tibet, the Communists now have a free reign to arrest and torture all Tibetans.
This coming Thursday evening, the Tibetan Community of Alberta (TCA) and its respected youths will hold a candle light vigil to pay tribute to those brave individuals who have sacrificed everything against the recent Communist Chinese crackdown at the downtown Calgary Olympic Plaza, starting around 6:30 pm.
