Earlier this year a Tibetan man called Gedhun Choekyi Nyima turned 30. Around the world, thousands of Tibetans and friends of Tibet gathered to mark the day, in their homes, local Buddhist centres and temples, and in the streets.

A Tibetan poet and activist due to be presented with an international award for courage in the United States will not be able to receive the honour because Chinese authorities have denied her a passport.

Chinese paramilitary police with riot shields and batons took up posts on the main street of a Tibetan town, disrupting Buddhist pilgrims in a reminder of China’s determined control of the region.

Beijing tightened security today ahead of the Olympic torch’s arrival after demonstrations by protesters during its passage through Greece.