The first major Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule was in March 1989.

In 1989, Tibetans in Lhasa took to the streets to protest against Chinese rule, and in 2008, the largest Tibetan uprising for almost fifty years resulted in brutal crackdowns by the Chinese regime which left many dead and drew widespread condemnation from international governments and media.

Knowing that March 2009 marked one year since the 2008 protests, China placed Tibet in a state of de facto martial law, and troops still swarm the streets in Tibetan areas. Despite the climate of fear which has been created, 2009 saw over one thousand Tibetans protest again against Chinese rule, leading to scores of arrests.

Lockdown in Tibet, March 2009 In the build up to sensitive anniversaries, the Chinese Government flooded Tibetan areas with troops. Despite the state of de facto martial law, protests continued to take place in Tibet. Read more   Click here for more

Tibetan Uprising 2008 In March and April 2008 protests swept across Tibet as Tibetans took to the streets to demand their freedom. The brutal crackdown that ensued left at least 21 dead and thousands were arrested. Read more   Click here for more

Tibetan Uprising 1959 The 1959 uprising against Chinese rule saw more than 86,000 Tibetans killed and led to the Dalai Lama being forced into exile. Since 1959 Tibetans have commemorated this event on 10 March. Read more   Click here for more

Tibetan Uprising 1989 1989 saw the biggest Tibetan uprising since 1959, when monks and laypeople took to the streets in Lhasa. Firearms were used against the unarmed protesters and martial law put in place for two years. Read more   Click here for more