| [27 Janaury 2017] Tibet Society’s press release on the first anniversary of Tashi Wangchuk’s detention.
TIBET SOCIETY PRESS RELEASE Tibetan language advocate’s detention epitomises China’s brutal regime Tibetans and supporters to hold peaceful protest in London
“The brutal nature of the current Chinese regime is epitomised by the continued detention of Tashi Wangchuk, a man who simply wants the Tibetan language taught in Tibetan schools,” said Paul Golding, Campaigns Coordinator for Tibet Society. One year ago today, Tashi Wangchuk, a 31-year old Tibetan shopkeeper, was arrested by Chinese police in Jyekundo (Chinese: Yushu), in the eastern Tibetan region of Kham (now part of China’s Qinghai province). He was charged with “inciting separatism” and has been held in detention since. [1] Tashi’s arrest came after The New York Times featured his efforts to file a lawsuit against local officials over the lack of Tibetan language education in schools. [2] Tashi was indicted earlier this month and his trial is now imminent. There are fears he will not receive due process, could face up to 15 years in prison and is at risk of torture. Amidst China’s current crackdown, Tashi Wangchuk’s case is an example of how Tibetans face additional persecution for any activity perceived as a threat to Chinese rule, through charges of “separatism”. In China, defendants are almost always found guilty once a case is brought to court. The conviction rate in 2015 was 99.92% according to official statistics. [3] Protest in London [end] Contact: [2] New York Times articles: [3] Amnesty International: |
||||
|
|
||||
|
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.
|
||||
