Celtic League : murder and random violence as Chinese troops go on rampage
The Celtic League has joined the growing chorus of calls for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics if Chinese repression continues in Tibet and ethic Tibetan areas bordering the occupied country. The call comes amid growing evidence that despite Chinese government claims that their security forces have exercised restraint a substantial number of protesters have been murdered by police and troops.
Armed paramilitary police and troops are reported to have fired on unarmed crowds in Lhasa and other centres. Many ethnic Tibetans have been arrested and security forces are alleged to be committing random acts of violence against detainees.
Letter to IOC below:
"Jacques Rogge President of Internacional Olympic Committee International Olympic Committee Château de Vidy 1007 Lausanne Switzerland
Dear Jacques Rogge
Boycott of Olympic Games in Beijing 2008
I am writing to you on behalf of the Celtic League to request that the International Olympic Committee consider imposing an appropriate boycott on The Games being held in Beijing later this year, in response to the highly disproportionate way the Chinese authorities have reacted to demonstrators in Tibet and the surrounding provinces recently.
The Celtic League is urging its members and supports from around the world, who are thinking or planning to make the trip to China, to boycott The Games out of solidarity with the Tibetan people. At the very least, we would ask the International Olympic Committee to continue to make statements calling on the Chinese authorities to exercise restraint, with the threat of possible consequences.
The plight of the pro democracy demonstrators in Tibet highlights the need for the international community to apply pressure on reactionary and renegade Governments, like China, who show little respect for human life and expression, by using its influence to curb acts of violence towards citizens. With the Olympics due to take place in China in a few months, the International Olympic Committee is in a unique position to advocate change.
We hope that you will seriously consider our request and apply pressure on China to act in a more measured way ahead of this years Olympic event.
Your sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
18/03/08
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