Sonam Gyalpo
Name: Sonam Gyalpo
Age: 50
Arrested: 28.8.2005
Expected Release: unknown
Prison: unknown
BACKGROUND: Sonam Gyalpo, 50, a former political prisoner, and his wife
Tsamchoe are both tailors who sell garments on a small stall in Barkor
Street, Lhasa. Upon their return home after closing their stall on 28
August 2005, 16 agents from the Tibet Autonomous Region Secret Service
waited for the couple. Sonam was forced to sign an arrest
warrant. Shortly after, four agents took him away while the
remaining 12 thoroughly searched the home for three hours. The agents
discovered religious materials including videotapes and photos of the
Dalai Lama, a few books and printed materials, which were confiscated.
Sonam Gyalpo's family suffered harassment and persecution due to their
religious and social status since the Chinese occupation in 1959.
Sonam was first arrested in 1985 along with 21 monks from Drepung
Monastery (Lhasa) following a peaceful demonstration against the
Chinese occupation and for pasting posters against the Chinese
Reformation policy. He served three years in Drapchi Prison and
was released on 20 September 1990.
In 1993 Sonam travelled to Kathmandu to meet his younger brother Tashi
Wangdrak and to India to receive a blessing from the Dalai Lama.
As an ex-political prisoner, he was not issued with travel documents by
the Chinese authorities and therefore travelled illegally to
Nepal. Upon his return his hotel room was searched by Chinese border
security personnel who confiscated a few packets of herbal pills
blessed by the Dalai Lama.
On 23 July 1993, five months after his return from Nepal (Saga Dawa
day), Sonam was arrested by local Chinese security at his home. He was
detained at Setru Prison, Public Security Bureau Centre, for a few
days. Later he was transfered to Nyari Prison in Shigatse
without any knowledge of his family and he was denied of his right for
visitors. After six months in Nyari Prison, he was imprisoned for an
additional six months in Sangyip Prison in Lhasa, where he could see
his wife and relatives.
There is no information about Sonam Gyalpo's whereabouts or the reasons
for his detention. His family is extremely concerned about his well
being and safety as political prisoners are targeted for abuse and
systematic torture.
(Sources: Free Tibet Campaign, Human Rights Watch.)
ACTION:
Write to the Chinese authorities listed, with the following demands (or use template letter at the bottom):
- Call on the authorities to publicly clarify the current whereabouts
of Sonam Gyalpo and provide immediate guarantees for his safety. - Urge
the authorities to ensure that Sonam Gyalpo has access to his family, a
lawyer and medical treatment while he remains in detention. - Demand
the authorities release Sonam Gyalpo unless he is 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.
Addresses:
1. Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Regional People's Government
Name: Guo Jinlong
Address: 1 Kangangdonglu
850000 Lasashi
Xisang Zizhiqu Tibet
People's Republic of China
Telexes: 68014 FAOLT CN or 68007 PGVMT CN
Telegram: Chairman, Regional People's Government, Lasa, Xizang Zizhiqu, China
Salutation: Dear Chairman
2. Minister of Justice
Name: Zhang Fusen Buzhang
Address: Sifabu 10 Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang Qu
Beijingshi 100020
People's Republic of China
Email: minister@legalinfo.gov.cn
Fax: + 86 10 6520 5236 or +86 10 6529 2345 (c/o Ministry of Communications)
Salutation: Dear Minister
Letter to TAR Chairman.
Letter to Minister of Justice
