Chinese Authorities Thwart Self-Immolation Attempt In Lhasa

Chinese Authorities Thwart Self-Immolation Attempt In Lhasa
Photo by InstaWalli via Pexels, 2014

27-2-2022

Alexandros Anthis

Tibet and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence

According to reports, a Tibetan shouting political slogans attempted to self-immolate in protest before the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, earlier this week. However, the Chinese police intervened and stopped the act. The individual was reportedly apprehended by police officers and transferred on Friday to an unknown location. The person’s identity, state of health or whereabouts have not been disclosed yet.

Sources indicate that Chinese authorities shut off all routes in the wider area of the Potala Palace after the incident. Additionally, there was an increased number of members of the Chinese military patrolling the zone.

The site of the Potala Palace bears great symbolic meaning.  It has historically been the winter palace of Dalai Lamas until the current Dalai Lama went into exile after an uprising against Chinese dominance over Tibet. During the unrest, Chinese troops shelled the palace causing numerous casualties.

The recent self-immolation attempt has also been corroborated by a source from the exiled community in India. Commentators suggest that the attempt took place to protest in view of the upcoming anniversary of the 1959 rebellion on Match 10.

The anniversary has been named the Tibetan National Uprising Day and is characterized by a climate of increased security in the Tibetan region. As observers note, technological restrictions and the control of analogue and digital communication in Tibet prevent the distribution of information regarding the Tibetan struggle to the outside world.

Sources and further reading:

Wangchuk, T. & Lodoe, K. (2022, February 26). Self-immolation attempt at Tibet’s Potala Palace thwarted by Chinese police. Radio Free Asia. Retrieved February 27, 2022 from https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/potala-immolation-02262022171751.html