Read the story behind this image

On March 10, Tibetans and their supporters commemorate the day in 1959 when Tibetans in Lhasa took to the streets to protest against the Chinese occupation of their country. Thousands were killed and many more were arrested. This became known as ‘Tibetan Uprising Day’.

Every year, the day is marked by peaceful demonstrations and other activities to highlight the ongoing repression of the Tibetan people, their religion and their culture under the rule of the Chinese government in Tibet.

Learn about the REAL situation in Tibet.


In Australia, there were events, rallies and protests in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.

If You Couldn’t Make It … Take A Supporter Snapshot
While many of you were able to attend the events planned for March 10, for others time, distance and prior commitments can make coming along difficult. So here is something you can do wherever you are -
Take a Supporter Snapshot and we will upload it to the ATC website.

… Or Make A Donation
Donors are activists too! You can be a part of these activities by making a donation.

The Story Behind The Photo …
This powerful image was taken during the Lhasa demonstrations of 1987. The photographer, John Ackerly, is now the president of the Washington DC based, International Campaign for Tibet.

The robed monk at the centre of the photo is Jampa Tenzin. He is captured raising his fist in defiance of the Chinese occupation of Tibet. At first glance, Jampa has a proud, almost exhilarated look on his face - perhaps relishing his chance to protest.

The look, however, could also be one of excruciating pain. At the time this photo was taken, Jampa was suffering from severe burns received while attempting to rescue monks from the burning police station in which they were being held. Jampa’s disregard for his own safety, and his courage in continuing to protest despite major injury, has made him an enduring emblem of the Tibet movement.

“I joined a large group of Tibetans who converged on the station, calling for release of the arrested monks. We heard gunshots from the rooftop and realized that police were firing down into the crowd. Many Tibetans were killed. Several more were badly injured. Outraged at the massacre, some Tibetans set fire to the building. I watched as Venerable Jampa Tenzin led a crowd in the building to try to free the monks. When he emerged about 10 minutes later, his arms were badly burned and had a long piece of skin peeling off. Soon afterwards Jampa Tenzin was arrested and detained at Sangyip Prison.”

After the protest, Jampa was detained and tortured in prison. In March 1988, a few months after his release, Jampa Tenzin was found dead with a rope tied around his neck.

“The Tibetan cause is a cause for truth, and when you are fighting for the truth you cannot wait for someone to tell you to fight.” - Jampa Tenzin, monk of Jhokhang Temple, Lhasa