China: Release Dhondup Wangchen!

Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan filmmaker unjustly detained in March 2008, has been charged with "inciting separatism." His trial could start any day in Siling in eastern Tibet (Chinese: Xining, Qinghai Province). His lawyers are being barred from representing him, casting serious doubt over the fairness of the trial. Dhondup Wangchen has reportedly been tortured while in detention and is in very poor health.

Dhondup Wangchen is being persecuted for exercising his basic right to freedom of expression. His ground-breaking documentary, Leaving Fear Behind, smuggled out of Tibet just prior to his arrest, depicts the plight of Tibetans living under Chinese rule as they express their true thoughts and feelings on camera.

Please send an urgent letter now to Wu Aiying, China's Minister of Justice and Zhang Yeshui, China's Ambassador to the United Nations calling for Dhondup Wangchen's immediate release.

Tell me more

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am outraged to learn that Dhondup Wangchen is facing trial in Siling in eastern Tibet (Chinese: Xining, Qinghai Province) on charges of "inciting separatism."

Dhondup Wangchen was detained in March 2008 for documenting the views of ordinary Tibetans in the lead up to the Beijing 2008 Olympics. He is being persecuted solely for exercising his basic right to freedom of expression.

Dhondup Wangchen has been beaten and tortured whilst in detention and is reported to be in very poor health. He has also been denied treatment for Hepatitis B.

Furthermore, Dhondup Wangchen's lawyer has been barred from representing him, casting doubt over the fairness of his trial and the legitimacy of China's judicial system. Tibetans are routinely denied their basic legal rights and sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the peaceful expression of their views.

I join tens of thousands of people worldwide calling on the Chinese government to release Dhondup Wangchen immediately and unconditionally. I further call on China to guarantee while he remains in custody that he is not tortured or otherwise ill-treated, and has access to family, legal assistance of his choosing, and any medical care he may require.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Take Action on this Issue

Send this message to:

China's Ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Yesui
Minister of Justice, Wu Aiying

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