Members of Tibetan Uyghur and Chinese Solidarity UK, of which Tibet Society is a founding member, delivered a letter to Theresa May at 10 Downing Street on the morning of Saturday 10 December. The letter asked the UK Government to speak out on China’s human rights abuses. It highlighted the endemic use of torture in China, and the cases of three political prisoners: Chinese blogger Zhang Haitao, Uyghur academic Ilham Tohti and Tibetan language advocate Tashi Wangchuk.

Approximately 60 people gathered for the vigil, despite the dreary, wet weather. The vigil was themed as a “Solidarity Vigil Against Torture in China”. Following the delivery of the letter, a peaceful procession was held along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. 

The procession was led with a banner saying “Freedom, Human Rights, Democracy” in four languages: Tibetan, Chinese, Uyghur and English. Participants also carried messages calling for the release of the three prisoners and an end to torture in China, Tibet and East Turkestan.

At Trafalgar Square speeches were delivered from representatives of each community about each of the three prisoners of conscience being highlighted. Kunsang Dolma from Tibetan Community UK spoke on the injustice of Tashi Wangchuk’s imprisonment and the situation of Tibetans losing their identity in Tibet.

During the procession and vigil, leaflets were distributed to passers-by to give further background to the solidarity vigil and provide information the three chosen political prisoners.

 Further reading:
Letter to Prime Minister Theresa May
Download leaflets handed out at vigil (PDF)

Tibet Society, the world’s first Tibet support group, was founded in 1959. Funded by its members, it has been working for over 50 years to seek justice for Tibet through parliamentary lobbying, campaigns and actions. Help keep Tibet alive by joining Tibet Society today. Annual membership £24; Family £36; Life £500.