3 sentenced over arson in 2008 Tibet riots

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — A Chinese court has sentenced three people to lengthy prison terms over deadly arson attacks during last year's rioting in the Tibetan capital Lhasa, state media reported Tuesday.

One suspect, Penkyi, was given the death penalty with a two-year reprieve for helping to lead attacks on two clothing stores that killed six people, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Such sentences are is usually commuted to life in prison.

Another suspect, also named Penkyi, was sentenced to life in prison by the Lhasa Municipal Intermediate People's Court. A third, Chimed, was given 10 years in prison. Many Tibetans use just one name.

Last year's violence in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, killed 22 people, according to Chinese officials. Rioting that broke out on March 14 led to the most sustained uprising against Chinese rule in decades. State media says more than 950 people have been detained in the ensuing crackdown and dozens of people sentenced for their part in the protests.



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