se Embassy's visa office in Katmandu on Thursday, as Nepal's government comes under increasing criticism for stifling peaceful demonstrations. Police were posted on the streets leading to the visa office, about two kilometers from the main embassy, and about 20 Tibetans took part in the protest.
It was a small demonstration compared to other protests by Tibetan refugees and monks in Katmandu in the days following China's crackdown on protests in Tibet.
Police did not immediately comment on the arrests, but they normally arrest protesters and release them the same day without charge.
The arrests came as Nepal faces increasing criticism for the way it has been handling protests against China.
New York-based Human Rights Watch in a statement Wednesday urged Nepal to "end arbitrary detention, threats and harassment against peaceful Tibetan protesters."
"The threat of detention and deportation to China is being used by the government of Nepal to silence peaceful dissent," the group said.
Nepalese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on the allegations. In the past they have said they cannot allow protests against friendly nations, including China, and have ordered all protesters arrested.
Human Rights Watch said police used excessive force to disperse some protesters and to arrest others, while beating some of those in detention.
Nepal has not issued any statements about Beijing's crackdown in Tibet.
Nepal's border with China in the Himalayas is a key route for Tibetans fleeing Chinese rule in the region.
Thousands of Tibetan refugees live with relatives in Nepal or in camps funded by aid groups. Most of the refugees eventually move to India, where Tibet's government-in-exile and its spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, are based.
