Tibetan Freedom Torch NYC Is this the Coke Side of Life?

On May 20, 2008, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) Lhadon Tethong hosted the Tibetan Freedom Torch ceremony in New York City. Members of SFT including Chime Chime, who escaped from Tibet over the Himalayas when she was 12 years old, and other activists including SFT Grassroots Coordinator Kala Mendoza, took the Tibetan Freedom Torch on a relay route through Times Square and on to the Chinese Consulate. Coca Cola, one of the main corporate sponsors for the 08 Beijing Olympic Torch Relay through Tibet recently launched a new ad campaign, "The Coke Side of Life." Tibet supporters around the world are asking Coca Cola and the International Olympic Committee to stop the Beijing Olympics torch relay through Lhasa, Tibet. Over 200 Tibetans have been killed since March 10, 2008 and more than 5000 Tibetans have been detained in response to peaceful protests across the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Is this the Coke side of life? China promised to improve its human rights record before the start of the 08 Olympics—and instead has conducted the most deliberate and intense crackdown on the Tibetan people since the late 80s. No torch through Tibet. One world—one dream—Free Tibet now.


INFORMATION BELOW FROM THE TIBETAN FREEDOM TORCH WEBSITE:

The Tibetan Freedom Torch symbolizes the hopes and aspirations of the Tibetan people for freedom and justice and the commitment of people around the world to helping achieve this dream. The Olympic torch should embody the ideals of peace and harmony for all, but this year, the Chinese government is trying to use the Olympic torch relay to cover up its brutal occupation of Tibet and abysmal human rights record, while the International Olympic Committee has refused Tibetans' request to be represented at the Games. The Tibetan Freedom Torch relay gives voice to the true ideals of Tibetans and reminds the global public of the need for action to bring an end to China's occupation of Tibet.
The Tibetan Freedom Torch will travel to more than 50 cities between March 10th and August 7th, when Tibetans plan to carry the torch to Tibet. The relay will finish on August 8th, the day the Olympics begin in Beijing.


LINKS

Students for a Free Tibet
http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org

Tibetan Freedom Torch
http://www.tibetanfreedomtorch.org

MUSIC CREDITS
Windows on a Train © 2007 Tendor Tenzin Dorjee from the album Logchopa, http://www.youngtibet.com/tendor

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Tibet
• Tibetan Freedom
• Beijing Olympics
• IOC
• human rights
• Dalai Lama
• torture
• China

[taofukunga]

It is very inspiring and touching to see young Tibetans shouldering Tibetan cause seriously. I thank Lhadon Tethong, SFT and all of the supporters. I love you all.