A Public Notice From Amdo Banning Photos of the Dalai Lama

High Peaks Pure Earth has translated a public notice of September 17, 2012, as seen in Rongwo Township, in Rebkong County, Amdo, that has been circulating widely among Tibetan netizens over the last few days.
With the combination of ongoing self-immolations in Tibet and the forthcoming 18th Party Congress next month, security in Tibet is high. What’s interesting to note is that the political message of the Public Notice is couched in the language of social concerns about online gaming. Not only does the public notice draw attention to matters “splitting the country”, the notice also warns of sudden death as a result of exhaustion after spending too much time on the internet, something that was debated online in China over the summer.

Public Notice

In order to create a harmonious and stable social and cultural environment for ensuring the successful convening of the 18th Party Congress, we have decided to carry out the special campaign to sort out and regulate the cultural marketplace in Rongwo region, in accordance with No. 2 official document about cracking down on pornography and striking against illegal activities issued by Malho Prefecture in 2012 and No. 88 official document issued by Rebgong County Office. Thus, we hereby notify you about the following issues:

1. The various cultural enterprises and operating units in the cultural marketplace are strictly forbidden to sell the photos of the Dalai Lama, or videos, pictures, books, writings, hangings and other objects inciting to split the country, publicising Tibetan independence or spreading obscene, pornographic and vulgar messages. In particular, they are forbidden to print the aforementioned photos and writings without authorisation.

2. The various internet café owners must strictly abide by the regulations concerning the management of the internet café, forbidding under-aged children to enter the internet café and verifying the identification card of people who use the internet at the café. They must stop providing a common card or an identification card for their customers. Nor are they allowed to open their café beyond business hours or close their windows and doors while in business. They should also strengthen their sense of security, remind their customers about the time they have spent using the internet and strictly prevent customers from sudden death that results from exhaustion.

3. The various recreational and entertainment enterprises, including dance halls, must not receive under-aged children on days other than holidays designated by the state. Nor should they install games or entertainments which include violence or gambling. They should also attach great importance to safety, and eliminate potential safety hazards.

Recently the law enforcement personnel of the Rebgong County Cultural marketplace will inspect the enterprises, and all the owners should whole-heartedly support the inspection, listen to the suggestions and advice so as to reorganise and reform the operation of the enterprises. Meanwhile, in this campaign if we find any owner who operates illegally or who refuses to make changes in his operation, we will co-ordinate with people from the Department of Industry and Commerce and Department of Public Security, and strike hard against them. Those who have broken the law will be handed over to the judicature to be punished severely.

Hereby it is pronounced.

The Office of the Leadership Team in Charge of the Cultural Marketplace of Rebkong County
September 17, 2012