Published by: World Tibet Network News, Friday, June 28, 1996

By Per Kvaerne, Olso,

June 28 1996

In connection with China's president Jiang Zemin's arrival yesterday in Oslo, Norway, a small number of activists from Amnesty International and the Norwegian Tibet Committee attempted to stage peaceful demonstrations. In massive and unprecedented show of force, the police banned all activities which could be seen by president Jiang Zemin.

Persons wearing T-shirts with Chinese characters reading "Human Rights" were arrested and Wei Shan, the sister of Chinese dissident Wei Jinsheng, had a banner bearing slogans torn out of her hands. Resident Tibetans even had Tibet buttons removed from their dress.

Among those arrested was also 65 years old Palden Gyatso, the Tibetan monk who spent 33 years in Chinese jails in Tibet. His only wish was to stand quietly so that he could be seen by Jiang Zemin when he drove past. Instead, he was arrested and placed in custody by Norwegian police in anti-riot gear, and only released after the procession of the president had driven past.

There have been very sharp reactions among Norwegian politicians from all political parties for this arbitrary police action, unprecedented in Norway since the German occupation during the Second World War.

Yesterday evening, the President of the Norwegian Parliament, Ms. Kirsti Kolle Grondahl, sharply criticized the ban on demostrations. Nevertheless, police shielding of president Jiang Zemin continues unabated today while he has talks concerning major business contracts with Norway's Prime Minister Ms. Gro Harlem Brundtland.

If you wish to protest against the Norwegian government's denial of Palden Gyatso's right for expression, send a fax to:

Foreign Minister TORE GODAL

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Oslo

0047 - 22 83 39 34.

Please send a copy of your fax to Per Kvaerne, 0047 - 22 43 61 20.