Kathmandu, June 27 - Nepalese police detained about 50 Tibetan exiles who were protesting Friday against China's crackdown in their homeland, a day after the United States raised concerns about Nepal's treatment of Tibetan demonstrators.
The group of Tibetan exiles, including many monks and nuns, had gathered in front of the Chinese Embassy's visa office in the heart of Katmandu and were chanting anti-China slogans.

They were stopped by police and quickly put in vans and trucks and driven to detention centers.

Police official Ramesh Thapa said about 50 Tibetans were detained but were likely to be freed later in the day.

The State Department issued a statement Thursday saying the U.S. was concerned about Nepal's treatment of Tibetan activists protesting against China's crackdown in their homeland.

"The ongoing harsh treatment of peaceful protesters during their arrests by the Nepali police is distressing," State Department spokesman Tom Casey said in the statement.
It urged Nepal to ensure the humane treatment of peaceful protesters and adhere to its international human rights obligations.

Nepal has been criticized by human rights groups for its handling of the Tibetan protests, which have occurred almost daily since March.

Nepalese police initially used batons to beat protesters. However, after criticism and pressure from rights groups, police stopped using force but have continued to detain demonstrators.

Nepalese officials say protests against friendly nations, including China, will not be allowed and Tibetan refugees are barred from all political activities.

China says 22 people died in anti-government violence in Tibet's capital of Lhasa in March, while foreign Tibet supporters say many times that number were killed in the protests and a subsequent crackdown.

AP[Friday, June 27, 2008 21:27