Free Tibet Protest in Toronto

Today at Toronto Nathan Philip Square in front of the City Hall a peaceful protest to show support to the Free Tibet movement. It was a big contrast to the pro-china protest on the weekend at Dundas Square.

I was surprise how fast they were able to book the square at the city hall (usually one needs to book in advance months ago), compare to the Dundas Square which is a city-owned commercial space, normally are reserved for concerts and corporation promotions

 During this morning’s city council meeting it was even announced by a city councilor on this protest and received lord cheers and applause from the public gallery.

 Later, there was even debate on the council chamber regarding Mayor David Miller upcoming trade mission to China. Councilor Michael Walker wants colleagues to sign a petition to urging the federal government to boycott the Olympic game in Beijing this summer.

  This afternoon under the grey sky with far less police present with speakers including Provencal Member of Parliament Sheri DiNovo to speak in support of the Tibetan’s struggle in their homeland.

They were there to demand the Chinese government to restrain their violent crackdown on the Tibetans

Demand the IOC to get Tibet off the Olympic torch’s relay route.

Demand UN to intervene and send international fact-finding mission inside Tibet.

 Even Toronto only has a small Tibetan community but it was also attended by the many non-Tibetan, young and old with some city councilors which unlike the pro-china protest on the weekend, attended mainly by Chinese students.  Many of the demonstrators carried signs and Tibetan flags some dressed in Tibetan monk robes and had the faced painted in Tibet colour.