As the media lock-down continues in Lhasa and other regions across the Tibetan plateau, I’ve noticed a lot of global media agencies with forms like these below their stories (this one from the BBC).
The last point is of course the trick – don’t “endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws” to get the true story out of Tibet. Unfortunately there is no other way. A big thank you to all of the brave tourists and other independents who have managed to get reports, images and footage past the Chinese military and out to the world. Without their courage (and skill!) we would be completely powerless to help defend human rights.
The other little trick is that news.bbc.co.uk is blocked in China – but the point is well taken (esp. in relation to other sites that may not be blocked).
It is a sad state of affairs when China blocks the media as it has in Tibet. Imagine if the US, or any other country tried this tactic? Even the US allowed journos into Iraq, even if the output was biased and flawed, it was still better than this…