Tibetan Government Demands Evidence of China’s ‘Suicide Squad’ Claim

Tibetan monks and activists in exile take part in a candle light vigil in Siliguri on March 31, 2008. Tibetans during a protest burnt an effigy of Chinese President Hu Jintao and performed a street play on the alleged events taking place in Tibet. Diptendu Dutta/AFP/Getty Images

NEW DELHI—The Beijing regime has claimed that Tibetans are plotting a mass suicide attack during the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics.

On April 1, the Tibetan government-in-exile, headquatered in Dharamasala, India, refuted the accusation, and demanded China to provide evidence of the claim.

The Tibetan government pointed out that such statements are merely a part of Beijing’s propaganda. The government also reiterated that Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, does not oppose the Beijing Olympics.

The Tibetan government’s spokesperson, Thubten Samphel, stated during a telephone interview that, “Chinese authorities should give evidence to support their allegations, instead of making groundless accusations.”

Thubten Samphel denied the suicide plot completely, emphasizing that suicide is a major sin in Buhhdism.

“Our protests are all peaceful. In Buddhist teachings, there’s no such idea as suicide attacks,” he said.

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“We believe that life is the most sacred treasure of all.”

He added, “These unfounded accusations will bring good to neither Chinese nor Tibetans.”