As China kicked off the 2008 Beijing Olympics yesterday, Tibetans and supporters in every part of the world staged hunger strikes, protest marches, solidarity vigils, and other direct actions to highlight China's oppression in Tibet.

Just hours ago, five Tibet supporters held a dramatic protest in Tiananmen Square, calling for an end to the Chinese government's occupation of Tibet. Four of the activists, lying down and draped in Tibetan national flags, staged a mock die-in with the famous portrait of Chairman Mao in the background. A fifth activist spoke about their reason for protesting there today. They were detained by security ten minutes after the protest began. Read more at: http://freetibet2008.org/global/tsquare/

Yesterday, three Tibet supporters, including SFT's Grassroots Coordinator Kalaya'an Mendoza, protested near the entrance of the Bird's Nest stadium, wearing Team Tibet t-shirts and holding up Tibetan flags in the air. Within 40 seconds, security guards tackled them to the ground. They were detained for several hours before they were deported. Read more at: http://freetibet2008.org/global/teamtibetflags/

We are also happy to inform you that Iain, Lucy, Phil and Tirian - the four activists who were part of the banner hang action outside the Olympic stadium - are safely home after receiving a warm welcome from their friends, family and local Tibetans in their respective home countries. Read more about their banner hang action: http://freetibet2008.org/globalactions/birdsnest/

Meanwhile, Chemi Dolkar, a Tibetan-American who traveled to Beijing to speak out for Tibetan freedom, was detained at Beijing Airport for 15 hours and eventually deported. Chemi arrived in her hometown Minneapolis last night, and right now she is speaking with the media to keep the Tibetan plight in the spotlight. Many dozens of Tibetans planning to go to Beijing to protest against the Chinese government have been denied entry into China. Read the press release on Chemi's deportation: http://studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=1618

The world is watching China today as the Olympics begin, and with the hundreds of actions taking place around the world - from Delhi to Kathmandu, Brussels to London, New York to San Francisco, Hong Kong to Toronto, and many more - the voices of the Tibetan people will be heard loud and clear despite the attempts of the Chinese authorities to silence them.

Continue to check out www.freetibet2008.org for further updates on the global uprising for Tibet and to find out how you can join actions in areas near you.

To support SFT's continued efforts for Tibetan freedom, please make a donation today: http://studentsforafreetibet.org/donate.