"They definitely weren't expecting us," Dorjee said. "We sent live feed to New York on YouTube and were arrested within 25 minutes."

Dorjee was detained for two-and-a-half days, and he was interrogated and threatened.

But the terrifying experience hasn't stopped him and Tethong from promoting their cause for Tibet's independence from China.

"A generation has grown up completely in exile, but still, because of grandparents and parents, they very strongly identify as Tibetans," Tethong said. "Our mission is to work in solidarity with Tibetans for the restoration of independence and human rights."

For more information about the Students for a Free Tibet organization and to watch video of their protests, visit www.studentsforafreetibet.org.

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E-mail: nhale@desnews.com