From: hrcoord@igc.apc.org (Human Rights Coordinator)
Newsgroups: soc.rights.human
Subject: Tibet: Prison sentences
Date: 26 Jan 93 18:18:00 GMT
Nf-ID: #N:cdp:1476701039:000:4493
Nf-From: cdp.UUCP!hrcoord    Jan 26 10:18:00 1993


From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord>
Subject: Tibet: Prison sentences

/* Written  3:46 pm  Jan 26, 1993 by geonet@gn.apc.org in igc:omct.sostortur */

Case CHI/TIB 260193
The International Secretariat of OMCT/SOS-Torture calls upon you to
intervene on behalf of the following situation in China/Tibet.
Brief description of the situation:
Information received by the International Secretariat from Antenna
International, a member of our network, and the Tibet Information
Network has drawn our attention to the persistence of human rights
violations in Tibet and to the fact that Tibetans accused of taking
part in peaceful protests throughout the region continue to be
sentenced to severe prison terms.  In particular the following events
have been drawn to our attention.
1/   On 1 November 1992, Five Tibetan Farmers received prison
sentences ranging from 13 to 15 years for their part in a
pro-independence demonstration that took place on 30 June 1992 in the
Gyama District of Meldro Gungkar county, some 60km from Lhasa.  These
are the longest recorded sentences to be handed out since 1988.
According to the information, the incident began when four men,
Konchok LODRO, Sonam RINCHEN, Sonam DORJE and Lhundrup DORJE, all
aged 23, farmers from Dashar, a neighbouring village, interrupted a
political education meeting by marching on to the platform bearing
the Tibetan flag and shouting pro-independence slogans.  The four
were arrested and beaten by police and during the scuffle that
ensued, Lhundrup DORJE was badly injured with a rifle butt.
Konchok LODRO, Sonam RINCHEN and Sonam DORJE were sentenced to 13
years in prison, while Lhundrup DORJE, received 15 years.
In addition, the day after the above incident took place, on 1 July
1992, Thubten YESHE, aged 41, a farmer from the same village, was
arrested after six vehicles carrying security officers and legal
cadres from Lhasa arrived in Dashar village and searched the houses
of the arrested men.  Thubten YESHE, who, according to the
information, did not even take part in the demonstration was arrested
"on the charge of co-operating with the demonstrators" and received a
15 year sentence.  The reasons for the severity of this sentence are
currently unknown.
2/   The whereabouts of three men from the village of Trikhang,
Karma, a 42-year old farmer, Monlam, a 22 year old farmer and Gyatso,
a 22 year old carpenter, all arrested in March 1992 for distributing
wall posters calling for independence and opposing local mining
projects, are currently unknown.  According to the information, they
were still known to be in custody in July 1992.  Still according to
the information, at that time it was reported that the three men were
allegedly being "held in the custody of the district security forces,
undergoing unspeakable torture and beatings, for the last four
months".  The Chinese government has reportedly denied any knowledge
of records relating to the detainees, an excuse reportedly used quite
commonly by the Chinese authorities to refer to detainees being held
in labour re-education camps, which are not considered prisons by the
Chinese.
Action requested:
Please write to the Chinese authorities in Tibet to demand that they
guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of the prisoners
at all times and put an end to the practice of ill-treatment and
torture. Demand that they release all those subjected to any form of
detention by reason of their participation in peaceful demonstrations
in favour of Tibetan self-determination, in particular all those
mentioned above. Insist that they ensure the respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms in the country at all times in accordance
with international standards.
Addresses:
Mr. Gyaincain Norbu Jianchazhang, Tibet Autonomous Region President,
Xizang Zizhiqu Renmin Jianchayuan, Lasashi, Xizang Zizhiqu, People's
Republic of China - Tlx : 68014 FAOLT CN or 68007 PGVMT CN.  //  Mr.
YANG Yyoucai Jianchazhang, Regional Chief Procurator, Xizang Zizhiqu
Renmin Jianchayuan, Lasashi, Xizang Zizhiqu, People's Republic of
China - Tlx: 68014 FAOLT CN or 68007 PGVMT CN.   //  Mr. HU Jintao
Shuji, Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Regional Committee,
Zhonggong Xizang, Zizhiqu Weiyuanhui, Lasashi, Xizang Zizhiqu,
People's Republic of China - Tlx : 68014 FAOLT CN or 68007 PGVMT CN.
Geneva, 26 January 1993
Please inform us of any action undertaken, (kindly quote the code
number of our appeal in any related correspondence).
LAYOUT 000