Arrests not enough for China

While the Olympic torch works its way up Mount Everest, the Nepalese government arrested 500 people who were protesting China's human rights record, particularly as it pertains to Tibet. Most of the protesters were not held on charges but were released a few hours later. Apparently, this was not enough for China. The Chinese Ambassador publicly informed the government of Nepal that they should be more "severe" on protesters against China: "It is not enough to close down the Dalai Lama’s liaison office in Kathmandu but the government should adopt severe measure [sic] against those handful of Tibetans carrying out anti-China activities." In other words, detaining peaceful protesters doesn't please the Chinese government; only further and more desperate human rights violations will placate them.

This is an outrageous demand by the Chinese government, made all the more egregious by the public and unapologetic way in which it was delivered. China could hardly have been more clear: Arrest them and keep them behind bars; beat them or use anti-riot means to break up the peaceful protesters; do anything necessary to prevent anti-China protests; squelch their rights at all costs.

Amnesty International has long detailed human rights abuses in Nepal,and China (note China's abuses in Tibet in particular). Check their pages for more information.