Two British Tibetan Women and Chinese Democracy Activist Arrested by Police
London, 21 October 2015

Tibetan Activist Sonam

Tibetan Activist Jamphel

Sonam , 30, and Jamphel, 33, both Tibetans from London, attempted to wave Tibetan flags at President Xi’s passing car and were forcefully taken away by police. According to an eyewitness, the police at first assured the two that they weren’t being arrested but then an order later came to make arrests.

Chinese democracy activist and Tiananmen Square survivor Shao Jiang

Chinese democracy activist and Tiananmen Square survivor Shao Jiang was also arrested at Mansion House. The three are currently being held at Bishopsgate police station where it looks likely they will remain overnight.

“As a British Tibetan, I am shocked that the Met Police would arrest peaceful protesters. Tibetans are being silenced both in their homeland and now in the UK. I demand fair treatment for all protesters who are standing up for human rights and democracy and demand the immediate release of Sonam Choden, Jamphel Lhamo and Shao Jiang”, said Tsering Passang, Chair of the Tibetan Community in Britain.

A police officer at the scene suggested that the three were unlikely to be released whilst still posing as a “risk” of disrupting the state visit.