Tibetans and Supporters in the UK Hold Vigil for Executed Tibetans

23^rd Oct'09, London-Following the executions of four Tibetan political prisoners, Tibetans and Supporters gathered for a candle-lit vigil outside the Chinese Embassy on Thursday evening organised jointly by the Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups. Lobsang Gyaltsen, Loyak, Penkyi and an as yet unidentified prisoner were executed in Toelung, near Lhasa on Tuesday 20^thOctober. As participants sang prayers and songs of solidarity together, the sadness and shock of all present was palpable.

The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups is united in its condemnation of this latest reminder of China’s appalling human rights record in occupied Tibet.

Tibet Society CEO, Philippa Carrick commented: "We call on the British government to issue an immediate statement condemning the executions in the strongest possible terms and we further call on the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to scrutinise the Chinese government's legal procedures that led to these shocking executions. In May the British government admitted it had real cause for concern about the death sentences meted out to Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak. Now it is time for the government speak out and act on these concerns and hold the Chinese government to account.”

Reacting to news of the executions, Director of Free Tibet, Stephanie Brigden, said: “The executions are an outrage. It is impossible to have any confidence that even the most basic legal norms were observed before the Chinese state sanctioned and carried out the killing of these four Tibetans.”

Campaigns Coordinator for Students for a Free Tibet UK, Padma Dolma stated: “The world cannot sit by while China carries out politically motivated executions in Tibet. The UK’s government must take a lead in condemning these executions and in ensuring the safety of Tibetans in Lhasa during the current security crackdown.”

The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups are:

Tibetan Youth UK

Tibet Society

Tibetan Community in Britain

Students for a Free Tibet

Free Tibet

Photos by:Luke Ward

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