Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, June 3: A peaceful demonstration organised by members of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) Minnesota drew unexpected attention during the USA Women’s National Team’s 3-0 victory over China at a packed stadium in Minnesota, USA, on Saturday.
The ‘Free Tibet’ protest, intended to highlight ongoing concerns about China’s policies in Tibet, featured activists holding banners and chanting slogans. According to a video released by RTYC Minnesota, the demonstration was met with applause and vocal support from several American spectators who cheered the Tibetans’ efforts.
However, the demonstration took an unexpected turn when members of the Chinese women’s football team directly confronted the Tibetan activists. Security personnel swiftly intervened, escorting the activists from the immediate area to defuse the situation.
Stadium officials briefly spoke with the protesters and ultimately allowed them to remain in the seating area, citing constitutional protections of free speech in the United States.
Led by Minnesota local youth chairman Tenzin Palzang, the seven activists staged their demonstration about 25 minutes before the match concluded. Despite the confrontation, stadium officials respected the activists’ right to free speech and allowed them to remain and watch the rest of the game from their seats.
