US ‘deeply concerned’ over the Tibetan arrests in Nepal
Friday, 27 June 2008, 10:21 a.m.
Dharamshala: The United States
on Thursday said it was “deeply concerned” over the arrest in Nepal of
three Tibetan leaders, and called for their immediate release, AFP
reported.
Tom Casey addressing a daily press briefing (file/photo) |
“The United States is deeply concerned by the government of Nepal’s
recent detention without charge of Tibetan community activists Kelsang
Chung, Ngawang Sangmo, and Tashi Dolma,” State Department spokesman Tom
Casey said in a statement.
“We call for their immediate and unconditional release.”
The ongoing “harsh treatment of peaceful protesters during their arrests by the Nepali police is distressing,” Casey said.
“We understand and respect Nepal’s national security concerns and the importance of protecting diplomatic premises, he added.
“We
urge Nepal to ensure the humane treatment of peaceful protesters and to
adhere to its international human rights obligations as Nepal continues
on its path as a democratic nation.”
Hundreds of Tibetan exiles were questioned Thursday after some
500 Tibetan protesters were detained Saturday after demonstrating
outside the Chinese embassy against the Olympic torch relay’s visit to
Tibet.
The same day police also arrested the three top Tibetan activists for alleged anti-China activities in Nepal.