Ngawang Norphel (22) and Tenzin Khedup (24), walked to the center of a busy street in Dzatoe, Qinghai Province, on June 20thcarrying the banned Tibetan national flag. Calling out for freedom in Tibet, waving the flags and shouting for the return of the Dalai Lama, the two men set themselves ablaze, running and continuing the chants for a few more seconds before falling to the ground as flames consumed them. Tenzin Khedup died on the spot, while Ngawang Norphel is believed to have passed away on July 30th. Since 2009, 41 Tibetans have self-immolated in protest of restrictive Chinese policies. Most have occurred in traditionally Tibetan areas of Qinghai and Sichuan provinces, with 28 taking place in 2012 alone. All have shouted slogans calling for freedom in Tibet, reform of Chinese social policy in the region, an end to religious repression, and the return of the Dalai Lama. 31 out of the 41 have died as a result of their injuries.
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