<< A Buddhist monk leads prayers during a pro-Tibet demonstration outside the State Capitol Building in Raleigh on Saturday, March 29, 2008.

About 50 people gathered on the lawn outside the State Capitol Building to pray for peace in Tibet, where peaceful demonstrations led by Buddhist monks turned violent about two weeks ago.

Buddhist monks led prayers and chants on the Capitol lawn, and supporters handed out bumper stickers, pins and other materials. Tibetan flags – made illegal by China – fluttered in the breeze, and hand-painted signs called for "freedom" and "peace" in Tibet.

Demonstrators said they sought to raise awareness of what they believe are human-rights violations committed by the Chinese government in Tibet. Protesters said they want a peaceful end to the violence.

Greek police scuffled with pro-Tibet demonstrators Sunday outside an Athens stadium, where runners gave the Olympic torch to Chinese organizers. Beijing will host the Summer Olympic Games in August.

On Saturday, fresh protests broke out at two Buddhist monasteries in Lhasa and outside the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.

The recent outbreak of protests is the most serious challenge to Chinese rule since 1989. Tibet was effectively independent until Chinese communist troops entered it in 1950.