LOCATION: Sichuan Province, Chengdu
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Barred from public space, followed, filmed
REPORTING TOPIC: Tibet one year after March 14, 2008 riots
REPORTER/ORGANIZATION: Ole Torp, NRK, Norway
QUOTE: “When we stated we were in our full rights to enter the quarter, the commanding officer came forward and stated bluntly in Chinese that we were not allowed to talk to Tibetans in the area, and that we should leave immediately.”
DESCRIPTION: A cameraman and correspondent were stopped in downtown Chengdu when trying to enter the Tibetan quarter. Police officer Zhao Fan, badge no 072495, told us the area was unsafe, and even dangerous for foreigners, due to heavy traffic and road construction. When we presented with our press cards, the policeman consulted with his commanding officer who was nearby. Mr. Zhao came back to us and told us he was ordered to have us leave. When we stated we were in our full rights to enter the quarter, the commanding officer came forward and stated bluntly in Chinese that we were not allowed to talk to Tibetans in the area, and that we should leave immediately. This officer did not identify himself. The rest of the day we were followed by at least two plain clothes officers, and photographed when we filmed a standup. Zhao Fan spoke relatively good English, and that he acted with courtesy.