China: Tibetan youth detained and beaten after launching solo protest
Event- Country
- China
- Initial Date
- Oct 16, 2014
- Event Description
A young Tibetan called out in public for Tibet's freedom before being assaulted and taken into custody by Chinese police in the second solo protest in Sichuan province's Kardze prefecture this month, according to sources. Dorje Rinchen, believed to be in his 20s, launched his solitary protest shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday the 16th October in the central square of the Serthar (in Chinese, Seda) county seat in the Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, a local source told RFA's Tibetan Service. "Many witnesses saw him throw leaflets in the air and shout slogans calling for the long life of[exiled spiritual leader] the Dalai Lama and for freedom for Tibet before he was overpowered by police," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The detaining officers tied Dorje Rinchen's hands behind his back, forced his head down, "and took him away, beating him severely at the same time," the source said. "A large contingent of police were then stationed in the square and imposed harsh restrictions in the area," he added. Separately, a Tibetan living in exile confirmed Rinchen's detention, citing contacts in the Serthar area. Rinchen, a resident of Horshul village, had once been a monk at Serthar's Nubsur monastery but "had left monastic life and pursued various trades in the nomadic community," the source, Golog Jigme, said. "At this time, it is difficult to know whether his family members have been allowed to see him or learn where he is being held," Jigme said. Sporadic demonstrations challenging Chinese rule have continued in Tibetan-populated areas of China since widespread protests swept the region in 2008, with 133 Tibetans to date setting themselves ablaze to oppose Beijing's rule and for the return of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Violation
- (Arbitrary) Arrest and Detention
- Intimidation and Threats
- Violence (physical)
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly
- Right to Protest
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Event Location
Latitude: 29.646923000000008
Longitude: 91.117212
- Event Location
- Summary for Publications
On the 16th October 2014, Dorje Rinchen, a young Tibetan protester, was detained and beaten by police after calling publicly for the freedom of Tibet from Chinese rule.