Chinese police clash with monks over Dalai Lama award

Framed by the Tibetan flag, the Dalai Lama speaks to members of the Tibetan Community in New York. Photograph: Mary Altaffer/AP

As reported before the Dalai Lama went to Washington

Chinese police and soldiers have clashed with Buddhist monks in several towns in Tibet during a crackdown on celebrations to mark the award of a US congressional gold medal to the Dalai Lama last week.

According to Tibetan activist groups and Hong Kong media, the security forces have attempted to suppress monasteries that tried to mark the prize-giving with special prayers or decorations.

Despite government efforts to remove satellite dishes, halt sales of celebratory fireworks and block websites such as YouTube, news has spread quickly about the accolade and the meeting last week between the Tibetan spiritual leader and US president George Bush.

The Guardian reports.

I saw this coming or something like this…