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On 26th August 1999, during an 'exhibition trade fair' organisedby
the "TAR" government in front of the Potala Palace,
Tashi lowered the Chinese flag that was hoisted on the southwest
side of the Potala Square, & attempted to replace it with
a Tibetan flag. However, his action drew the attention of the
security police who came to arrest him. Knowing that the occupying
Chinese forces do not take too kindly to such a peaceful act
of defiance, Tashi had tied explosives around his waist which
he attempted to detonate prior to his arrest. Unfortunately the
explosive failed to ignite due to wet weather. For his 'crime',
the security police repeatedly smashed his head to the ground,
causing heavy bleeding. His ordeal continued whilst being driven
to a detention centre as he struggled for his freedom. When admitted
to hospital he was reported to have suffered a broken arm &
severe head injuries. He was then taken to a detention centre
to be interrogated about why he had tried to fly a Tibetan flag
in Tibet. He eventually died from his injuries.
China denies the death of Tashi Tsering & claims that
"....the man who was arrested after an abortive attempt
to detonate a homemade explosive is not dead & is still alive
& has confessed all his criminal activities, showing willingness
to correct himself."
Tashi Tsering leaves behind a wife & three children.
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