E/CN.4/1991/56 page 69 brazenly instigated the splitting of China on the streets in Lhasa, wilfully engaged in illegal sabotage activities, such as beating, smashing, looting and fire-setting, and they even opened fire on the officers and men of the security police and armed police, thus seriously endangering public order and the safety and property of the people. The Chinese Government took measures and stopped the riot according to law. This had nothing to do with the religious affairs of the temples or the normal activities of the people practising religion. The question of interference and restriction by the Government did not arise. Since the implementation of the martial law on 8 March, last year, the various temples and religious forums in Lhasa have been open as usual, all religious ceremonies and religious practices of the people have been conducted in as usual. During the Lhasa riot last March, a number of monks and nuns were taken in for investigations, detained or arrested by the Chinese public security organs. This is because they participated in activities of splitting China and instigating riots in violation of the Constitution and the Criminal Law. It is perfectly normal and necessary for local judicial organs to mete out punishment to them according to law and in the light of the seriousness of their crimes. On 2 September, last year, six nuns openly instigated activities for 'the independence of Tibet' during a folk customs festival in Lhasa. This is not permissible according to law. Since this is a minor offence, the authorities concerned did not investigate their criminal responsibility. Instead, they were given a three-year-rehabilitation-through-labour in accordance with the related provisions of the Chinese law, so that they can receive education through labour." 48. In a communication of 15 June 1990 addressed to the Government of China, the following information was transmitted by the Special Rapporteur: "It has been reported that a number of Roman Catholic priests have been arrested in several provinces of northern China. The arrests were said to be connected with the implementation of new policy directives issued by the authorities in February 1989 in a document entitled 'Strengthening Catholic Church Work in the Present Situation'. It was reported that according to the document, Catholics who remain loyal to the Vatican and carry out religious activities outside the Government-recognized Church should be 'severely dealt with in accordance with the law'. The following cases of arrest of Roman Catholic priests have been reported: 1. Liu Shuhe, a 69 year-old bishop from Hebei province is reported to have been detained since November 1988, allegedly without charge. 2. Pei Konggui, a Trappist monk of Hebei province, was reportedly arrested in Beijing on 3 September 1989 after administering the last rites in a Catholic's home. 3. Liu Guangdong, Peter, Bishop of Yixian Diocese in Hebei province, was allegedly arrested on 26 November 1989.