London, UK | 4th July 2026 | GATPM
On the evening of 3 July 2026, members of the Tibetan community and supporters gathered outside the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Portland Place, London, to hold a peaceful vigil following the tragic death of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen, who died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York in an apparent act of protest against China’s policies in Tibet.(Link)
Watch the witness-recorded footage here:
During the peaceful gathering, video footage recorded by witnesses appears to show individuals emerging from the embassy premises carrying what appear to be handheld electric shock batons. The footage shows visible electrical arcs being discharged from the devices while they are displayed towards protesters.
Figure 1. Still image from witness-recorded video showing individuals emerging from the Chinese Embassy premises holding apparent electric shock batons during the peaceful Tibetan vigil in London on 3 July 2026.
The Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities is deeply concerned by this incident.
The apparent display of electric shock batons outside a diplomatic mission in central London raises serious questions about public safety, the protection of peaceful protest, and the conduct expected of foreign diplomatic missions operating within the United Kingdom.
Every person in Britain has the right to peacefully assemble and express their views without fear of intimidation or violence. This right is protected under domestic law and international human rights standards. Any conduct that threatens or intimidates peaceful demonstrators should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of the status of those involved.
Human rights organisations have, for many years, documented the use of electric shock batons by Chinese security personnel in places of detention, including in Tibet, as instruments of intimidation, coercion and abuse. For many Tibetans who have experienced or documented such repression, the apparent presence of similar devices during a peaceful demonstration in London is profoundly disturbing.
This incident also comes amid growing international concern regarding transnational repression by the Chinese government and follows the introduction of China’s new Ethnic Unity Law, which has generated concern because of its potential implications for Tibetans and other ethnic minorities, including those living outside China. (Link)
We therefore call upon:
• the Metropolitan Police Service to investigate this incident fully, including whether any criminal offences may have been committed;
• the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to establish the identity and status of those involved and determine whether any diplomatic obligations have been breached;
• Members of Parliament and relevant public authorities to consider this incident as part of the wider assessment of proposals concerning a new Chinese embassy in London; and
• the international community to recognise the increasing pattern of intimidation directed towards Tibetan, Hong Kong, Uyghur and Chinese democracy communities living abroad.
Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic society.
Diplomatic premises should never become places from which intimidation is directed towards those exercising their lawful rights on British streets.
The Global Alliance For Tibet and Persecuted Minorities stands in solidarity with the Tibetan community, with all those peacefully protesting for human rights, and with everyone facing transnational repression.
About the footage:
Date: 3 July 2026
Time: Approximately 7 pm BST
Location: Outside the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Portland Place, London
Event: Peaceful Protest and Candle Light Vigil organised by Tibetans and supporters following the death of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 