China warns Tibet protesters to surrender

Anti-Chinese protesters in Tibet were warned to give themselves up today or face “harsh” consequences.

Tibet’s governor told demonstrators they would be treated leniently if they surrended, especially if they informed on fellow dissidents.

Champa Phuntsok said last week’s violent demonstrations in the regional capital of Lhasa left 16 dead and dozens injured. Unconfirmed reports from Tibetan exile groups put the death toll at 80.

The uprising, the fiercest against Chinese rule in the region in almost two decades, has embarrassed China’s communist government and undermined its efforts for a smooth run-up to the Beijing Olympics.

The ensuing crackdown, meanwhile, led the Dalai Lama, Tibetans’ exiled spiritual leader, to decry what he called “cultural genocide” in his homeland and call for an international investigation.

The Tibet governor described a scene of chaos throughout Lhasa on Friday with “people engaged in reckless beating, smashing, looting and burning.” Shops, schools, hospitals and banks were targeted and bystanders were beaten and set on fire, he said.

“No country would allow those offenders or criminals to escape the arm of justice and China is no exception,” he said.