The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations that security personnel at the Chinese Embassy in London used prohibited stun batons to intimidate Tibetan demonstrators during a peaceful vigil..reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into allegations that security personnel at the Chinese Embassy in London used high-voltage stun batons to intimidate peaceful Tibetan demonstrators during a candlelight vigil, prompting renewed scrutiny over the safety of exiled communities protesting in the United Kingdom.
According to Phayul, the incident occurred on the evening of July 3 outside the Chinese Embassy on Portland Place in central London, where members of the Tibetan community and human rights supporters had gathered to pay tribute to Tibetan independence activist Lobga Rangzen.
Rangzen died after self-immolating outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2.
Phayul reported that videos released by London-based advocacy group Free Tibet appear to show Chinese embassy security personnel allegedly brandishing live, sparking stun batons and pointing them towards peaceful demonstrators. Campaigners described the actions as an attempt to intimidate those attending the vigil.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after the incident was reported.
The alleged use of stun batons, which are classified as prohibited weapons under UK law, has raised fresh concerns among Tibetan organisations and human rights groups about what they describe as Beijing’s transnational repression extending beyond China’s borders.
According to Phayul, campaigners argued that Tibetans and other critics of the Chinese government living overseas are increasingly facing pressure and intimidation even while exercising their democratic rights in foreign countries.
Rabga, Campaigns Lead at Free Tibet, linked the incident to the UK government’s approval of China’s proposed mega-embassy in London.
He warned that the development could embolden further intimidation of Tibetan, Uyghur, Hong Kong and other dissident communities living in the United Kingdom.
Rabga called on the Metropolitan Police to carry out a thorough investigation and urged the British government to reconsider its approval of the embassy project.
The incident has also reignited political debate over the proposed Chinese mega-embassy, with critics arguing that the development could heighten concerns over the safety and freedom of exiled communities and political activists in Britain.
Supporters of the campaign have called for stronger safeguards to ensure peaceful demonstrators can exercise their rights without fear of intimidation.
According to Phayul, Tibetan advocacy groups are demanding accountability as the Metropolitan Police investigation continues.
They have urged British authorities to ensure that any alleged attempts to intimidate peaceful protesters are fully investigated and that anyone found to have breached UK law is held accountable.
There has been no public response from the Chinese Embassy in London regarding the allegations.
