By Khalida Sarwari
Hundreds gathered for a rally in San Francisco today to speak out against China’s occupation of Tibet as part of a worldwide commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day.
Tibetans and supporters of Tibet, some who had come from as far away as Denver and Los Angeles, wore T-shirts that read “Tibet will be free,” held such signs as “China Lies, Tibetan dies” and waved Tibetan and American flags in front of City Hall in honor of Tibetans who have died since March 10, 1959.
“This is one of the most important days of my life,” said Tenzin Seldon, a Students for a Free Tibet spokeswoman.
Seldon said today’s rally allows her to remember her grandmother who was shot during the uprising 50 years ago, as well as the many family members she lost during that time. “I’m here to commemorate the souls that have passed away and show my solidarity with the Tibetan cause.”
Attendees of the event gathered this morning at Justin Herman Plaza and then traveled along Market Street and continued to the steps of City Hall where speakers and congressional representatives discussed the treatment of Tibetans at the hands of China and advocated for a unified stance against oppression.
Tsering Dolma, of Concord, said she was there to represent fellow Tibetans who were not able to participate.
“We are here to be their voices,” Dolma said. “Where freedom is respected, where religion is respected.”