A Chinese official promised Friday that Buddhist monks who told foreign reporters in Lhasa the country has no religious freedom will not be imprisoned.

However, Baima Chilin, vice chairman of the Tibet government, said the monks are not being allowed to leave the Jokhang Temple because they are under investigation for rioting earlier in March, Voice of America reported. In a statement to official Chinese news organizations, he said they would not be punished specifically for talking to foreign press.

China forced all foreign reporters to leave Lhasa during the riots. A small group was allowed to spend two days in Lhasa Thursday and Friday.

During the press visit to the Jokhang Temple Thursday, some of the monks disputed the government's claim that the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, orchestrated the protests.

Chinese officials have said the Olympic torch will be carried through Tibet as planned. The highlight is to be taking the torch to the summit of Mount Everest.

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