Two Tibetans have been executed for inciting riots in Lhasa last year, a Chinese government spokesman confirmed yesterday. They are the first known executions following the violence that erupted last March in Tibet's capital.
The two Tibetans, Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak (who went by one name), were sentenced to death in April related to arson in the first days of violent demonstrations that swept through Lhasa. Ma Zhaoxu, China's foreign ministry spokesman, confirmed the executions at a press conference in Beijing.
The men are believed to have been executed last week in Lhasa. Lobsang Gyaltsen was sentenced to death on charges of setting fire to two shops, and Loyak was found guilty of setting fire to a motorcycle dealership.