Twelve Tibetans have set themselves on fire in a desperate effort to draw the world’s attention to the oppressive conditions of Chinese occupation in Tibet - 11 of them just since the middle of March this year. Most of them were monks or former monks of Kirti Monastery in Amdo Ngaba in the East. Five of them have died. All them shouted slogans before setting themselves on fire. The slogans include calls for Tibetan independence, freedom of religion, long life for the Dalai Lama and the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.
Executive producer Rebecca Novick discusses this disturbing trend with Philippa Carrick, CEO of the Tibet Society UK.
In the photo above: Tapey, mid-20s, in 2009; Lobsang Phuntsok, 21, Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, March 16 (died); Tsewang Norbu, 29, Nyatso Monastery, Tawu, August 15 (died); Lobsang Kalsang and Lobsang Konchok, both from Kirti September 26; Kelsang Wangchuk, 17, Kirti Monastery, October 3; Khaying, 20, and Choephel, 19, former monks of Kirti Monastery, October 7 (died); Norbu Damdul, former monk of Kirti Monastery, October 15; Tenzin Wangmo, 20, Dechen Choekhorling Nunnery, Ngaba, October 17 (died); Dawa Tsering, 38, Kandze Monastery, Kandze, October 25 (condition unknown); Palden Choetso, 35 (died).
Executive Producer Rebecca Novick pays tribute to these men and women here.
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