Tibetan supporters protest at Embassy

  • 2008-04-11
  • In cooperation with BNS
RIGA- Early yesterday evening, over 100 supporters and demonstrators peacefully protested the Chinese occupation of Tibet in front of the Chinese embassy in Riga.

Police also turned up in large numbers to see that the event stayed peaceful.

In a sea of Tibetan flags, one could find the faces of Saeimas New Era deputies Silva Bendrate and Inguna Ribena, Sandra Kalniete, and U. of Latvia Philology Department DeanJanina Kursite.

Signs reading: ''Yes to Sports! No to Politics!'', ''Free Political Prisoners!'',''Free Tibet'', ''Talk to the Dalai Lama'' and ''Stop Genocide'', were also waved proudly causing a minor traffic slowdown on Ganibu dambis street, where the embassy is located.

Singer Rolands Udris performed later in the evening, drawing even more supporters.

Supporters also stuck many small Tibetan flags in the tram tracks that lead up to the embassy.

Some of those at the demostration were also present on April 4, when many in support of the ''Falun Gong'' movement meditated in front of the embassy. Most expect more and larger demonstrations will come as the world gears up for the Olympics in Beijing.