But for other Calgarians, the Beijing Games are reason for concern.
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On the first day of the Games, Calgary City Hall saw a demonstration that included members of the Tibetan Association of Alberta.
“(The Chinese government is) hiding the illegal occupation of Tibet, (the Uyghur genocide) and human rights abuses in Hong Kong. So we came here to tell the world the real face of China,” association member Lobsang Thinley said.
“The Olympics represent freedom, friendship — China doesn’t really hold those things and we (Tibetans) have been suffering.”
Thinley pointed to the 70 years of Chinese rule over the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Protesters on the steps of Calgary city hall try to bring attention to China’s human rights record, pictured on Feb. 4, 2021. Global News
Protesters on the steps of Calgary city hall try to bring attention to China’s human rights record, pictured on Feb. 4, 2021. Global News
He said he’s cheering on Team Canada. But the privilege to speak out in this country is one his fellow Tibetans, Uyghur and other Chinese people are unable to enjoy.
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“We have a responsibility to use our freedom and privilege to speak for those who are suffering under the Chinese regime.”
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
