Scotsman

Published Date: 03 February 2009

CAMPAIGNERS are planning protests, debates and cultural events in
Edinburgh next month to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan
uprising against Chinese rule.
Activists from all over Scotland met at the Scottish Parliament at the
weekend along with the European representative of Tibet's exiled
spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to discuss the plans.

Edinburgh South Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle said: "The events
planned in Scotland will remember 50 years of Tibetan resistance and to
call for an end to their continued suffering. After Tibetan protests in
March last year China's response was severe. Over a hundred Tibetans
were killed and thousands were detained."

Jamie Robertson, 24, Edinburgh member of Students for a Free Tibet,
said: "This year's Tibetan Uprising Day will mark 50 years of resistance
since March 10, 1959, when thousands of Tibetans took to the streets of
the capital Lhasa to protest the invasion of their country by China."

Tsering Tashi, representative of the Dalai Lama, said he hoped in its
dealings with the Chinese authorities the Scottish Government would give
"due priority" to human rights.