Actor Gere calls for a boycott of the Olympics due to Tibet

Hong Kong - American actor Richard Gere, who is among the most well-known pro-Tibet activists, today called on the global public to boycott the August Olympics in Beijing if China does not resolve the situation in Tibet "in a satisfactory manner." According to official data, 10 people died during Friday's unrest in this Chinese province, while Tibetan exile organizations report 30 confirmed casualties.
    "If China does not respond to this situation in a satisfactory way, does not change its behavior, does not acknowledge what has happened, and does not ensure free access to information, then I believe we must unambiguously boycott the Olympic Games," Gere was quoted by AFP.
    "It would be absurd to continue pretending that everything is fine and everyone is happy. Something like this is impossible," Gere added.
    The fifty-eight-year-old actor, unlike other Tibetan activists, had not previously spoken out against the Olympics in Beijing and referred to the games as a sporting and entertainment event and an opportunity for free exchange of information.
    Gere also expressed understanding for the anti-Chinese protests. "Tibetans have been very neglected in recent years, even more than before," he said.
    He also pointed out that Chinese authorities suppress the religious freedom of Tibetans. Allegedly, pictures of the Dalai Lama, whom Tibetans revere as the reincarnation of Buddha, are not allowed to hang anywhere in the province. In contrast, Beijing considers the Dalai Lama to be a separatist and accuses him of inciting the current unrest.
    In Tibet, peaceful demonstrations began on Monday to mark the 49th anniversary of the failed anti-Chinese uprising and the exile of the spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. However, on Friday, the demonstrations escalated into violent riots, during which protesting Tibetans burned several shops in the provincial capital, Lhasa. Chinese security forces subsequently suppressed the protests by force and closed Tibet to all foreign visitors.