A/HRC/10/8/Add.1 page 12 Observations 35. The Special Rapporteur is grateful that the Government of China replied to the joint urgent appeal of 20 March 2008 and she hopes to be able to make observations on the response in the next report summarizing the cases transmitted to Governments and replies received. Urgent appeal sent on 9 April 2008 jointly with the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on arbitrary detention, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, the Independent Expert on minority issues, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment 36. Subsequent to their urgent appeal of 20 March 2008, the Special Procedures mandate holders brought to the attention of the Government information they had received in relation to reports of killings, injuries and arrests of protestors in Gan Zi Xian, Sichuan Province, and the arrests of over 570 Tibetan monks, including children, in Aba Xian and in Ruanggui/Zoige Xian in the Tibet Autonomous Region. 37. According to information received, at least eight protestors were killed on 3 April 2008 and several injured when security forces opened fire during a peaceful protest in Zithang Township in Gan Zi Xian, Sichuan Province, calling for the release of two monks previously arrested. Several protestors were also arrested. 38. On 28 and 29 March 2008, over 570 Tibetan monks, including some children, were arrested following raids by security forces of the Chinese People’s Armed Police and the Public Security Bureau on monasteries in Aba Xian and in Ruanggui/Zoige Xian in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Arrests were made of those suspected of participating in protests and those suspected of communicating with the exiled Tibetan communities. 39. Serious concerns were expressed over the aforementioned arrests and detention of, and the excessive use of force against, the above mentioned persons, including reportedly peaceful protestors. Further concerns were expressed that independent observers and foreign journalists have been restricted from accessing regions in which protests have taken place and that limitations have been imposed on the media, including Internet websites, to prohibit the dissemination of information throughout China concerning the events in the Tibet Autonomous Region and abroad. Response from the Government dated 21 May 2008 40. At the time this report was finalized, the Special Rapporteur was not in a position to reflect the content of the reply from the Government of China dated 21 May 2008 as she had not received the translation of its content from the relevant services.