Mike Pringle, the Liberal Democrat Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Tibet has lodged a Motion commending the courage of Edinburgh activist Iain Thom.

Iain Thom is a member of Cross Party Group and lives in Edinburgh. He, along with another two protestors, was arrested outside the Olympic “Birds Nest” arena this morning for staging a Tibet protest.

Commenting, Mr Pringle said:

“This was a peaceful protest, held to highlight China’s treatment of Tibet.

“The Chinese Government should not be using heavy-handed and repressive tactics to deal with such protests.

“As Convener of the Cross Party Group on Tibet I will be writing to the Prime Minister asking them to put pressure on the authorities in China to ensure that these protesters are treated fairly and with dignity.

“I know Iain Thom well as he is a member of the Cross Party Group and lives in Edinburgh. I have lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament commending his courage in conducting a peaceful protest against the injustices that are being inflicted on the people of Tibet.

“I urge MSPs from all parties to condemn the Chinese Government’s actions by signing my motion.”