EXILE TIBETANS DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF DHONDUP WANGCHEN
[Dharamshala] – Tibetans and supporters joined a day long campaign organized by five major Tibetan NGOs for the release of Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan filmmaker charged with “inciting separatism,” and whose trial could take place any day now in Siling in Eastern Tibet [Chinese: Xining, Qinghai province].
Photo: Lobsang Wangyal
Dhondup Wangchen was detained in March 2008 by Chinese authorities for making the film ‘Leaving Fear Behind’ which documents Tibetans’ views about the Beijing Olympics, the Dalai Lama, and Chinese government’s policies in Tibet. His Beijing based lawyer hired by his family has been barred from representing him and he is in very poor health after being beaten and tortured in prison.
“My husband is not a criminal. He was arrested for making a film, interviewing Tibetans about the 2008 Olympics, the Dalai Lama and their lives under Chinese rule. None of our family has been allowed to speak to him since his arrest” said Lhamo Tso, Dhondup Wangchen’s wife, who resides in Dharamshala. “My husband is an innocent man but the Chinese government is trying to silence him for exercising his right to freedom of Expression. I urge the international community to take action for my husband’s release.”
Tables were set up in the main square of Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala – the heart of Tibetan freedom movement in exile – for signature campaign to appeal Shri Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India to pressurize Beijing for immediate and unconditional release of Dhondup Wangchen. Candle light vigil
was held in the evening at the Main Temple and the short film, ‘Leaving Fear Behind’ by Dhondup Wangchen was screened to the crowd.
“We denounce Beijing’s attempt to unfairly persecute Dhondup Wangchen with no independent legal representation of him and his family’s choice. We demand for an immediate and unconditional release of Dhondup Wangchen and all prisoners of conscience in Tibet”, said Tsewang Rigzin, President of Tibetan Youth Congress.
Tibetans and supporters worldwide are escalating their campaign for the release of Dhondup Wangchen, who is being persecuted by Chinese authorities solely for exercising his basic right to freedom of expression. Tibetans are systematically denied their basic legal rights and sentenced to lengthy prison sentences for peacefully expressing their views.
Organized by:
Tibetan Youth Congress
Tibetan Women’s Association
GuChuSum Movement of Tibet
National Democratic Party of Tibet
Students for a free Tibet - India
