4 000 Tibetans protest in Nepal
14/04/2008 18:14  - (SA)  

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Katmandu - About 4 000 Tibetans exiles took to the streets in Nepal's capital on Monday, resuming demonstrations against the Chinese crackdown on rioting in Tibet, but this time Nepalese authorities did not intervene.

The protest began as a silent march with demonstrators holding candles, but soon they began chanting anti-China slogans.

"Free Tibet. Stop killing in Tibet," protesters chanted as they marched in a western area of Katmandu filled with Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan refugee shelters.

Unlike at recent rallies, Nepalese police - who previously broke up demonstrations violently with bamboo baton charges and mass arrests - did not intervene at Monday's demonstration.

Nepal has been criticised by international rights groups and the United Nations for use of excessive force against the protesters. Nepal's government had said it would not allow any demonstrations against friendly nations, including China.

Tibetan exiles have held regular protests in front of the Chinese embassy and UN building since last month against China's actions in Tibet. Demonstrations were suspended for about a week before last Thursday's elections for a Constituent Assembly in Nepal.

The Tibetans say they will now hold regular protests.

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