New York – As China announced it had summitted Mount Everest with the Olympic torch today Tibetans around the world planned prayer vigils to mourn those killed by Chinese forces during the recent protests and subsequent crackdown across Tibet. The prayers also invoke the deity of Mount Everest - known to Tibetans’ as Mount Chomolangma - a protector deity of the Tibetan nation. Vigils are expected worldwide, in a week significant to Tibetan Buddhists as the period marking 49 days since many were killed in the protests.

“Beijing's conquest of Everest is a political move meant to reassert China's control of Tibet,” said Tenzin Dorjee, Deputy Director of Students for Free Tibet. Dorjee, a Tibetan-American, was arrested at Mount Everest base camp along with four American activists just over a year ago for protesting China’s plans to carry the Olympic torch to the top of the mountain. The five were detained for three days and deported after unfurling a large banner reading “One World, One Dream: Free Tibet 2008. “The Chinese government's obsession with summitting Everest with the Olympic torch betrays the depth of its insecurity over its rule in Tibet which was so clearly challenged by Tibetans in March and April.” Dorjee added.

China’s assault comes at a time when Tibetans in Tibet are being subjected to daily intimidation, harassment, and harsh suppression, as Chinese authorities carry out house-to-house searches, detentions, “patriotic education” and force Tibetans to engage in other displays of “patriotism.” Tibetans and their supporters are concerned that the planned relay of the Olympic torch through Tibet in June is encouraging Chinese authorities to escalate repression in order to ensure a successful propaganda exercise during its so-called “journey of harmony.”

“Following on the spectacular failure of their global torch relay, the Chinese authorities are now relying on intense military repression in Tibet to ensure a trouble-free torch run there in June,” said Lhadon Tethong, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet. “The plan to parade the Olympic torch through Tibetan areas hardest-hit by the recent protests is already increasing the level of fear and repression faced by Tibetans.” Tethong added.

Students for a Free Tibet, along with 153 other Tibet organizations is calling on the International Olympic Committee to prevent further suffering in Tibet by immediately withdrawing its authorization for the Olympic torch to be carried through Tibet in June.