A protest near the United Nations headquarters in New York ended in tragedy after a man died from severe burns following an apparent act of self-immolation.
New York police said officers found the man critically injured after responding to an emergency call at around 6.30 pm local time. Authorities transported him to Bellevue Hospital, where doctors later pronounced him dead.
Police have not publicly identified the individual and said investigations remain ongoing. Officials have not confirmed a motive.
Exiled Tibetan groups identify activist
Voice of Tibet, a media outlet run by exiled Tibetans, identified the man as Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen. The outlet reported that he set himself on fire outside the UN headquarters following a public appeal for Tibetan independence and unity.
Local media reports said Rangzen worked as an Uber driver and had arrived at the scene carrying a Tibetan flag.
A fellow Uber driver, Lobsang Paljor, reportedly told local media he knew Rangzen through the Tibetan community and said the activist had become increasingly frustrated over restrictions affecting Tibetans.
International concern over China’s law
The incident comes as concerns grow internationally over China’s recently implemented ethnic unity law.
The United States and the European Union have voiced concerns over the legislation, which came into effect this week. Critics argue that the law gives Beijing broader powers regarding ethnic minority groups both within and beyond China’s borders.
The legislation aims to establish a shared national identity among China’s 55 officially recognised ethnic minority groups, including Tibetans and Uyghurs. Critics say some communities view such measures as pressure to assimilate.
History of Tibetan protests
The protest has renewed attention on long-standing tensions involving Beijing’s policies in Tibetan regions.
Acts of self-immolation have previously occurred among Tibetans as demonstrations against Chinese rule and policies in Tibet and neighbouring areas with large Tibetan populations.
China took control of Tibet in 1950, describing the move as a peaceful liberation. Human rights organisations and Tibetan exile groups have repeatedly criticised China’s governance in the region, allegations Beijing strongly rejects.
Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, described Rangzen as “a tireless advocate for Tibet” and expressed sadness over his death.
According to the International Campaign for Tibet, more than 150 Tibetan self-immolations occurred between 2009 and 2022, with a smaller number taking place among Tibetans living in exile.
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