Self-immolations spread to new province/ENG

2012. január 9./Free Tibet/TibetPress

http://www.freetibet.org/newsmedia/self-immolations-spread-new-province

Media reports third act in three days

It is being reported that another monk has died after self-immolating in Tibet.

A monk in his 40s is believed to have set himself on fire on Sunday morning (8 January). Xinhua, the Chinese state media agency, has confirmed that the man died and that he was a high-ranking lama from the Darlag Monastery in the Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Increasing unrest
This is the 15th self-immolation since March of last year and the first in the prefecture – proof that the unrest in Tibet is spreading.

Radio Free Asia reports that the man pasted posters around the town and shouted slogans calling for freedom in Tibet and in support of the Dalai Lama. It's claimed that he also urged Tibetans to be united and not lose hope.

The Tibetan Government-in-Exile says that local people pressured the Chinese authorities to hand the man’s body over to them for a funeral. Xinhua corroborates this.

Sustained protest
This is the third self-immolation in three days in Tibet. On 6 January, two men set themselves on fire in protest at the Chinese occupation. One is known to have died and the well-being and whereabouts of the other are currently unknown.

Free Tibet Director Stephanie Brigden has said that the continuing instances of self-immolation represent a “sustained and profound rejection of the Chinese occupation”.

Meanwhile, Xinhua reported over the weekend that senior officials have pledged to step up “efforts to strengthen the management of monasteries”.