Media Statement
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nelson Peace Group and Amnesty International
Vigil in Support of Tibetan Protesters

Thousands of Tibetans are rising up against Chinese oppression right now. Chinese authorities are cracking down heavily on protests in Lhasa that began on March the 10th. This appears to be the largest uprising in Tibet since 1989, and if unconfirmed reports are true, there may be more Tibetan casualties in the streets of Lhasa than at any time since 1959. The protest comes at a time of escalating human rights abuses in Tibet, despite China's promise of improvements in human rights ahead of the Olympics. While political leaders in the US, Canada and Australia are speaking out, New Zealand remains silent. What message does this send to China, the country about to host the Olympic games?

Tibetans in NZ, and all over the world, their friends and family, Buddhists, supporters of Tibet, human rights advocates, peace lovers, other national governments, including the US, Canada and Australia, even Richard Gere and Bjork are calling for the Chinese government to stop the oppression now.

On Wednesday 19 March, the public are welcome to join the Vigil in Support of Tibetan Protesters at 12.30pm, on the Church Steps in Nelson. Parallel Vigils are being held in the four main centres.

Further information is available at:
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/tb0308leaflet.pdf
www.amnesty.org.nz

ENDS

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