Exile leader says Tibetan immolations ignored

NEW DELHI (AP) — The political leader of Tibetan exiles says he is disappointed that dozens of self-immolations by Tibetans have not received the same world attention as the similar suicide of a Tunisian man that sparked the Arab Spring.

Lobsang Sangay said Monday the immolations are drastic actions taken by people prevented from carrying out other forms of protest against China’s rule over Tibet. About 50 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in the past two years. Only nine have survived.

Beijing has accused Tibetan leaders of encouraging the suicides. Sangay condemned the incidents as anathema to the movement’s commitment to non-violence, but said it is his duty to highlight why the protesters are dying.

He urged other countries to pay attention to the plight of his people.