| The Tibet Update eNewsletter is a bimonthly summary of news and governmental actions related to Tibet. Past issues in PDF format are located at http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-weekly-updates/. INSIDE TIBET:
China sentences prominent Tibetan environmentalist, Karma Samdrup to 15 years in prison
Karma Samdup, a prominent businessman and environmentalist once praised by Chinese state media as a model philanthropist, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Accused of dealing in looted antiquities related to an incident dating to 1998 that had been dropped, the sentencing comes amid increased repression of Tibetan intellectuals in recent months in what amounts to the broadest suppression of Tibetan culture and expression in years. The case has generated wide coverage in the media:
Tibetan Environmentalist receives 15 yr sentence - New York Times
"The trial of the Tibetan, Karma Samdrup, 42, was widely viewed as an effort to punish him for his outspoken defense of his two brothers, both of whom had publicly berated a local police chief who hunted endangered species in a Tibetan nature preserve."
China jails environmentalist Karma Samdrup - BBC
"His [Karma Samdrup] lawyer, Pu Zhiqiang, said the evidence had been faked and no proper translator had been provided at the trial."
Tibet activist sentenced to 15 years in Prison - AP
"The charges against Karma Samdrup - named philanthropist of the year in 2006 by state broadcaster CCTV- date back to 1998 but were not pursued until this year."
In addition, Karma Samdrup's wife, Dolkar Tso, has written two powerful blog posts, detailing her account of the trial and proceedings, and she gives thanks to the two Chinese lawyers representing Karma Samdrup:
"Praying" An account of June 22, 2010
Thank You to Lawyer Pu, Lawyer Li, So I Won't Become Yang Jia
Prior to the sentencing, interest in the case was high. Here is a sampling of the press coverage: China starts trial against Tibet environmentalist - AP
"A Tibetan environmentalist once praised by Chinese state media as a model philanthropist went on trial Tuesday. 'If not for his voice, I would not have recognized him,' wife Zhenga Cuomo [Tibetan: Dolkar Tsomo] told The Associated Press."
Tibetan Activist on Trial - RFA
"A prominent Tibetan goes on trial, 12 years after a court threw out charges against him. Pu, the lawyer, said Karma Samdrup was tortured in 1998 and again this year."
China now pressuring Tibetans outside of politics - AP
"Karma Samdup was the kind of Tibetan the Chinese Government liked. ... but next week he'll stand trial on what rights groups say is a trumped-up charge of grave-robbing amid the largest crackdown on Tibetan intellectuals since the cultural revolution."
Tight security on show alongside re-education
On June 29 during a tightly controlled foreign media tour, a Jokhang Temple administrator agreed to present one of the monks who was part of a group that stormed a Chinese government led tour of foreign journalists at the Jokhang back in March 2008. The 29 year old monk, Norgye said, "I have not been beaten [or arrested], I had to learn more about the law." But after dusk in hidden corners, one man, 28, said the situation remained "tense" and "terrible." Read the complete story . . . Deputy Governor in Tibet says China can guarantee grip on Tibet "forever"
Hao Peng, deputy Communist Party boss and deputy governor in Tibet told visiting journalists on June 29, "We have the ability and confidence to maintain stability in Tibet forever, and we will ultimately achieve long-term order and stability." Hao repeated the government's standard line about on-off talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, saying that China was willing to talk if independence was off the table. Read the complete story . . .
NEPAL: ICT Report: Fragile Welcome: China's influence on Nepal and its impact on Tibetans The potential for danger for Tibetans in Nepal - both in transit and resident - intensified this year in an uncertain political climate. Under direct pressure from Chinese authorities, the Nepalese government adopted a tough approach on Tibet issues. Tibetans in Nepal have become increasingly vulnerable, demoralized and at risk of arrest and repatriation. There is also increasing concern about assertive actions by the Chinese authorities in Nepal's sovereign territory. Read the complete report . . .
U.S. CONGRESS: Speaker Pelosi calls for peaceful future for Tibetan refugees In a statement released on June 20 in recognition of United Nations World Refugee Day, Speaker Pelosi said, "In India and Nepal, there are approximately 70,000 Tibetan refugees who have escaped Chinese repression over the dangerous Himalayan mountain passes. There continues to be no resolution in sight as the Chinese government will not engage directly with His holiness the Dalai Lama in a peaceful dialogue." Read the complete statement . . . WORLD PARLIAMENTARIANS: Parliamentarians worldwide address G20 on Tibet
The newly-established International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT) called upon the G20 leaders on June 23 to take a proactive role in achieving a negotiated solution to the crisis in Tibet through dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama's envoys. In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the eve of the G20 in Toronto, Canada (June 25-26), the Parliamentarians also urged multilateral cooperation in protecting Tibet's fragile environment, so critical to the rest of Asia and the world. Read the complete story . . . FROM THE ICT BLOG: A Tibetan's perspective on two personalities in the Karma Samdrup case - June 29, 2010 The Unstoppable New Generation of Tibet - June 21, 2010 |
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