Jamyang Dhondup and Dhargay Gyatso
BACKGROUND:
Four Tibetan monks from Labrang Tashikyil Monastery in Sangchu County,
Ganan Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, have been arrested
by Chinese Public Security Bureau (PBS) officers on 23 May 2005,
according to reliable sources. Jamyang Dhondup, 25, Dhargay
Gyatso, 23, and two other unidentified monks were arrested on suspicion
of pasting numerous bills calling for "freedom in Tibet" on the walls
of Labrang Tashikyil Monastery and the surrounding area. on the
previous day.
Dhargay Gyatso was born in Arig Village and admitted to Labrang
Tashikyil Monastery at an early age. He travelled to India in 1996
where he studied Buddhist scriptures for six years in a south Indian
Tibetan monastery. He returned to Tibet in 2003. Jamyang Tharchin is
originally from Malho County. Detailed information on the other two
monks is not yet available. Since they were led away by the PSB
officers from the Monastery, their whereabouts remain unknown.
The Chinese authorities launched a pre-emptive campaign aiming to
restrict any political unrest in the time leading up to, and during,
China's 40th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Tibetan
Autonomous Region on 1st September. Strict measures have been placed in
Lhasa and its neighbouring counties on former political prisoners and
Tibetans suspected of engaging in political activism. Many were
detained or held for interrogation. Their families were instructed to
ensure that they do not engage in political activities during this
time. In some cases, former political prisoners were ordered to leave
Lhasa as a precautionary measure so that a smooth celebration of the
40th anniversary could take place.
(Source: Tibetan Centre for Democracy and Human Rights).
ACTION:
Write to the Chinese authorities, with the following demands (or use template letter at the bottom):
- Call on the authorities to publicly clarify the current whereabouts
of Jamyang Dhondup and Dhargay Gyatso and the two other monks from
Labrang Tashikyil Monastery, and provide immediate guarantees for his
safety. - Urge the authorities to ensure that the four monks have
access to their families, a lawyer and medical treatment while they
remain in detention. - Demand the authorities release the four monks
unless they are charged or convicted of a recognizable criminal
offence. - Urge China to fulfil its obligation under Article 18 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on Freedom of
Thought, Conscience and Religion and Article 18 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
Lu Hao, Governor of Gansu Province
1 Central Square, Lanzhou, Gansu Province
People's Republic of China
E-mail: admin @ gansu.gov.cn
Sample Letter
