Published by World Tibet Network News - Monday - June 30, 1997Press Release June 30, 1997
Free Tibet Campaign will be holding a vigil outside the Chinese Embassy today, Monday 30th June. As China celebrates the end of colonial rule in Hong Kong, Free Tibet Campaign reminds the world that China still practices colonial rule in Tibet.
The exact time of the hand over (5pm BST, midnight in Hong Kong) will be marked by the striking of gongs. George Stevenson MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, will be addressing the demonstration, urging Britain to protect the human rights and genuine autonomy of Hong Kong and calling on the Chinese to hand back Tibet.
George Stevenson stated:
"It is illegal to say 'Free Tibet' in Tibet. As of today it will become illegal to say 'Free Tibet' in Hong Kong. Our presence outside the Chinese Embassy seeks to ensure the world at large knows that we cannot build the basis of our society on the suppression of basic human rights."
On Friday 27th June Free Tibet Campaign flew the Tibetan flag in Hong Kong to mark the beginning of a new era in which calls for Tibetan independence are not permitted.
Vigil for Tibet at the time of the Hong Kong hand over 4pm - 8pm Opposite
Chinese Embassy 49-51 Portland Place, London W1
Issued by Tibet Campaign, 9 Islington Green, London N1 2XH
