Aug 8, 2008 6:05 pm US/Central
Tibetan Activists Protest As Olympics Kick Off
Demonstrators In Chicago, Elsewhere, Plan To Protest Chinese Actions Until Olympics Are Over
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The beginning of the Olympic Games is always a beautiful scene. But halfway around the world, protestors here in Chicago are trying to raise awareness about what they're calling an ugly violation of human rights.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports there was one arrest at the Chinese consulate for disorderly conduct. Other than that, it was a peaceful demonstration. About 200 protesters chanted prayers for Tibetans they say have died in their fight for freedom.
The protest seemed simple and peaceful, but what the participants did might have landed them in prison if conducted in China.
Many of the protesters carried the Tibetan national flag, which has been banned in Tibet for decades. They also carried signs, with such messages as, "One World, One Dream, Free Tibet," and, "Pro-Chinese people, anti-Chinese government, pro-Olympics, anti-violence." Some wore yellow gags reading "Tibet" to highlight a lack of free speech.
As the world prepares to watch China welcome athletes from every corner of the globe at the opening ceremonies in Beijing, the Tibetan demonstrators aim to turn some of the global spotlight on their nearly 50-year struggle for independence.
They say more than 1 million of their people have been killed, and countless others have been driven to exile – including their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
The nephew of the Dalai Lama, Jigme Norbu, was among those who gathered in front of the Chinese consulate. He talked about the cruel treatment he says Tibetans have endured at the hands of the Chinese.
"Our country, Tibet, has been suppressed for five decades," Norbu said. "People are being killed every day, being imprisoned for just standing up for human rights."
On Friday, in Chicago and in other cities around the world, Tibetan activists did their best to see to it that their collective voice was heard.
"We are here to voice our opinion, and to speak out, and to let the world know that China is using the Olympics for propaganda, and they are trying to whitewash their worsening human rights record," said Sangay Taythi.
Seventy-seven-year-old Buddhist monk Palden Gyatso says he was put in a Chinese jail for his political beliefs.
"I know what's really happening in Tibet," he said through a translator.
Imprisoned when he was 28, he was released when he was 61. He spent 33 years behind bars because he said China does not belong in Tibet.
"Tibet is not part of China," said protestor Dhondup Dolma. "We are free country before and we will be free someday."
The protesters also voiced their displeasure with China hosting the Olympic Games. One person used a bullhorn and spoke out facing the Chinese consulate.
"You do not deserve those Olympics and it's a total disgrace to the human race that you're holding those Olympics," said protestor Larry Gerstein.
Protesters also placed makeshift coffins adorned with Olympic symbols near the Chinese consulate.
"The Olympics symbolize brotherhood, unity, sisterhood," Norbu said. "Everything opposite of what China is all about."
In response to the gathering, a spokesperson for the Chinese consulate told CBS 2, "We strongly condemn these peaceful demonstrations."
He also said the protesters are using the start of the Olympics to get their point of view heard.
CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli and Suzanne Le Mignot contributed to this reports.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Get More From cbs2chicago.com
