The BBC has released footage of protests on March 10 and 11 which may have been the initial spark for the ongoing crackdown in Tibet.

The footage shows monks engaged in peaceful ‘sitdown’ protests surrounded by Chinese security forces. The footage also shows senior monks trying to prevent any violence from occuring. View footage

The footage, which was obtained by the BBC from security forces in Lhasa, is believed to have been shot outside the Drepung Monastery.

Click on the ‘play’ icon below to view the footage.