The Tibetan Community of Alberta, Calgary marked the one year countdown to the Beijing Olympics by protesting outside the Chinese Consulate-General to draw attention to the human-rights concerns in China.
About 200 Tibetans stood outside the office of the Chinese Consulate in Calgary, many wearing Olympic rings over their wrists like handcuffs, chanting”Out out, China out “Free Tibet” and “One World, One Dream, Free Tibet”
“There are major issues with China and its human rights record, especially when it comes to Tibet. And the Olympics is the polar opposite of that “said Kephun Chazotsang, of Student for Free Tibet, Calgary Canada.
Tashi Phuntsok, President of the Tibetan Community of Alberta who organized this demonstration stopped short of calling for a Canadian Boycott of the 2008 Olympics saying the focus of Wednesday’s protest in Calgary was to raise support to “work together and have a dialogue”, However he said “There is a certain bit of irony – perhaps people, athletes, the public should take a look at what it is they’re promoting, what the Olympics are about.
After several hours of protest, it was concluded by reciting Dhentsik Monlam, Long live prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama followed by Singing Tibetan National Anthem.
Report prepared by The Tibetan Community of Alberta.
