Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In an unexpected policy shift Chinese officials have lifted a ban on Tibetan monks displaying photographs of the Dalai Lama at the Gaden Monastery in Lhasa – one of the most historically important religious establishments in Tibet.
It reverses a ban introduced in 1996, the British-based Free Tibet group told Reuters, and comes as similar changes are being considered in other Tibetan regions of China. It may signal looser religious restrictions by the Chinese authorities three months after President Xi Jinping took office.
The International Campaign for Tibet, a US-based advocacy group, said officials in western Qinghai province were also considering lifting the Dalai Lama picture ban and that there were draft proposals in the region to end the practice of forcing Tibetans to denounce the exiled spiritual leader, and to decrease the police presence at monasteries.
Officials in Lhasa and Qinghai could not immediately be reached for comment.
Such measures appear calculated to reduce tensions between the Tibetans and the government after a series of Tibetan self-immolation protests against Chinese rule.
Beijing considers the Dalai Lama, who fled from China in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule, a violent separatist.
The Dalai Lama, who is based in India, says he is merely seeking greater autonomy for his Himalayan homeland.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments