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Hu Jintao's UK State visit was dogged by hundreds of protesting Tibetans and their supporters.

The protests were organised jointly by the following Tibet groups

Tuesday, 8 November

In the morning hundreds of Tibetans and supporters waited along the Mall with placards, banners and Tibetan National flags flying proudly. Hundreds of Tibet supporters joined in to show their solidarity with Tibetans. Many more students from different Universities in UK came on the day to show their support. Members of the newly formed Tibetan Youth in UK were in full force with their distinctive placards. People walking along the Mall could read out their messages and learn the truth about Tibet and the State guest. Media personnel were also in full force. Many Tibetans and supporters were interviewed by different TV & Radio Channels, national Newspapers and some electronic news services.

When the Parade of the Royal household cavalry was passing through the Mall, Tibetans and supporters cried noisy chanting messages to the visiting President. Two small toy tanks were released shortly after the parade by members of SFTUK. The protest was very noisy, yet peaceful and non-violent.

Evening

The evening started with a candle lit vigil and prayers. As the guests for the State banquet started arriving Tibet groups shouted slogans so that their voices could be heard. Some media reporters interviewed some Tibetans and supporters. Some of the protesters stayed there for the whole day chanting and waving Tibetan National flags and banners with messages.

Throughout the day, national TV channels including BBC were reporting about Tibetans and their pleas and many more were interviewed on radio channels.

Wednesday 9 November

The morning papers must have greeted Hu Jintao with Tibetan National flags and Tibetan faces.

The demonstrations received widespread coverage in the British media. Hu Jintao and his entourage were greeted by angry Tibetans and supporters protesting at Westminster (parliament).

Again, Hu's lunch meeting with the Prime Minister, Tony Blair was dogged by Tibet supporters with loud speakers and hooting. There was a unanimous voice from all the groups "Tony Blair- Ask Hu Jintao to talk to Dalai Lama directly" Hu's visit to the Royal Academy of Arts in Piccadilly faced more angry Tibetans with banners and Tibetan National flags.

The Banquet at the Guildhall - the city of London faced yet more protests from Tibetans and Tibet supporters. There were Falung Gong protesters and Save Taiwan Group. The protests continued until Hu Jintao and his Party left the banquet.

On behalf of Tibetan Community in Britain , I would like to thank supporters from all organisations and individuals. I truly believe one day truth shall prevail. Despite the risk to family members left behind in Tibet , many Tibetans came out and were brave enough to take this ambassadorial role to speak of the injustice in Tibet . I salute their courage and determination.

I would like to mention one of Tibetan Youth UK's placards that read "Don't test our patience". Tibetans need your support for their peaceful and non-violent approach to their 55 years long struggle. Please be part of history in the making - through dialogue, negotiation, peaceful and non-violence, we shall bring China to talk, to resolve the Tibet issue peacefully.

Dalha Tsering, Campaign Coordinator, Tibetan Community in Britain

Here is the media coverage of the Visit. The following links are a selection of website articles with images and related links: