People’s Republic of China: The Olympics countdown – crackdown on Tibetan protesters

People’s Republic of China: The Olympics countdown – crackdown on Tibetan protesters

Since 10 March 2008, serious human rights violations have been reported in the Tibet Autonomous Region and Tibetan areas of neighbouring provinces in connection with the police and military crackdown on Tibetan protesters. Initial protests by Tibetans appear to have been peaceful but later turned violent. Amnesty International is concerned that in restoring order, the Chinese authorities have resorted to measures which violate international human rights law and standards. These have reportedly included unnecessary and excessive use of force, including lethal force, arbitrary detentions and intimidation.