Pro-Tibet groups stage Tiananmen Square protest, 5 detained

Two pro-Tibetan independence groups staged a protest in Tiananmen Square on Saturday, with security officials apparently allowing dozens of onlookers watch for at least 10 minutes before intervening and detaining five activists. Four of the activists laid on the ground draped in Tibetan flags, feigning death, at the northern end of the square near the Forbidden City imperial palace, while the fifth told onlookers the reasons for staging the demonstration in support of Tibetan independence, a statement from the groups said. John Hocevar, a member of U.S.-based Students for a Free Tibet group who watched the protest, said, ''It was held in full view of uniformed security who allowed the crowd to watch without intervening.'' To access full stories on Kyodo News English website, it is necessary to subscribe. Please contact... [read full story]