Demonstration in Brussels

"Where is the Dalai Lama!"

Brussels, BELGIUM. A protest was staged on May 11th 2007 in Brussels in response to the Belgium government’s unwillingness to welcome His Holiness The Dalai Lama to their country.

Approximately 100 people participated in the protest including over 50 Tibetans from the local Brussels community and also worldwide leaders of Tibet Support Groups who were scheduled to attend the 5th International Tibet Support Group Conference. Three of ITIM’s Board Members (Benjamin Cox, Larry Gerstein, and Douglas Herman) took part in this protest.

The boisterous, highly emotional crowd of protesters chanted many poignant slogans such as, “Shame on China, Shame on Belgium, Where is The Dalai Lama?” This was the very first time the phrase “Where is The Dalai Lama?” had ever been chanted.

Numerous pedestrians and motorists witnessed the protest and many displayed signs of support for the action.

The protest lasted about one hour in the rain. It concluded with a recitation of a long life prayer for His Holiness The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan National Anthem.