TORONTO (CP) _ Toronto's streets joined the struggle Monday to free Tibet from China's grasp as the Dalai Lama's brother started a protest march against the occupation of the country.

``China can no longer escape blame for the crimes it has committed in Tibet,'' said Professor Thubten Jigme Norbu, 74. He is the oldest brother of the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetans around the world.

``People should know the truth,'' he said.

About 100 well-wishers were on hand outside the Chinese Consulate when the 12 marchers and their supporters stepped out on the first leg of their journey.

The 966-kilometre walk is expected to take three months and the marchers plan to arrive at the United Nations plaza June 14 and unfurl Tibet's flag.

During the trek, the group will stop for scheduled talks in universities and towns including Buffalo and Rochester.

Norbu said the march marks the 38th anniversary of the March 10, 1959, uprising in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, against the occupation of their country by Chinese soldiers.

About 87,000 Tibetans died during that period of turmoil, resistance and repression, he said.

The Dalai Lama and more than 100,000 people were forced into exile in India.

Over the years, at least one million Tibetans have died as a result of Chinese occupation, exiles allege.