New York [US], August 6 (ANI): Chinese authorities are facing international criticism following the arrest of veteran pro-democracy activist Zhang Yi in Tibet, with Amnesty International accusing Beijing of using national security laws to suppress peaceful expression and religious freedom.

In a statement, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks described Zhang Yi’s arrest as “a chilling reminder of how far the Chinese authorities will go to police the peaceful exercise of human rights."

According to Amnesty International, Zhang was formally arrested on July 28 on suspicion of “inciting separatism", with his family receiving an arrest notice on August 5. Authorities had informed his relatives by telephone on July 30. He is currently being held at Lhasa Detention Centre.

Zhang, a Han Chinese human rights defender from Wuhan, was detained on July 1 while visiting the Sera Monastery in Lhasa with his younger brother. After being unable to communic...