Tibetan monk self-immolates inside China temple

BEIJING – A U.S.-backed broadcaster says a Tibetan Buddhist monk set himself on fire inside a western Chinese monastery criticized by authorities.

Radio Free Asia said 28-year-old Lobsang Thokmey was the 108th Tibetan to have self-immolated in a string of protests against Chinese rule and religious restrictions starting in February 2009. His protest took place on the fifth anniversary of government killings in the area.

RFA said he set himself on fire inside his room in Kirti monastery in Aba county on Saturday. Carrying a Tibetan Buddhist prayer flag, he ran toward the monastery entrance before collapsing and was rushed to hospital where he died. Area officials declined to comment on the report.

Chinese authorities have accused overseas Tibetans of orchestrating immolations at Kirti and elsewhere, but have offered no solid evidence.