NEW : The Dalai Lama says he does not want to politicize a prize ceremony . Self-immolation is becoming an increasingly common form of protest for Tibetans who want genuine autonomy from China and accuse Beijing of repression . He is the spiritual leader of Tibet and has been in exile since 1959 after being exiled from China for his opposition to Chinese rule over Tibet. Tibet 's spiritual leader says when asked directly about the protests . More than 30 people set themselves on fire last year over China 's occupation , advocates say . The Dalai Lama is in London to accept a $ 1.77 million prize .
NEW : The Dalai Lama says he does not want to politicize a prize ceremony . He is the spiritual leader of Tibet and has been in exile since 1959 after being exiled from China for his opposition to Chinese rule over Tibet. Tibet 's spiritual leader says when asked directly about the protests . More than 30 people set themselves on fire last year over China 's occupation , advocates say . The Dalai Lama is in London to accept a $ 1.77 million prize .