Large protests in China after Tibetan dies in self-immolation.

BBC - A Tibetan man has died after setting himself on fire in western China, says London-based campaign group Free Tibet and other sources.

Sonam Dargye, a father of three in his 40s, set himself alight in Rongwo, Qinghai province.

A large crowd attended his funeral and protested, the sources said.

Nearly 30 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in the past year, in protest at what they say is the suppression of their Buddhist religion and culture.

Free Tibet says it has pictures which show Sonam Dargye's charred body, partly covered by ceremonial scarves placed there by local people.

The group says he was a close friend of a monk who set himself on fire in the same town earlier this week.

The monk is believed to be alive but critically ill.

China has tried to prevent foreign journalists from reaching the areas where the protests are happening.

Beijing says it treats its ethnic minorities fairly and is committed to improving their living conditions.