Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a Buddhist monk and teacher, had his death sentence commuted to life in prison on January 26th due to international pressure on China. However, stopping his death sentence is only the first step.  Now we must free this innocent man from prison.

Tenzin Delek worked for more than ten years to establish social, educational, religious, and medical institutions and protect the environment in eastern Tibet. His activities drew the attention of local Chinese authorities, who saw his efforts as a threat to their control. He was arrested in April 2002 on bombing charges and sentenced to death with a two-year suspension on December 2nd, 2002.  According to a February 2004 report by Human Rights Watch, he was denied access to a lawyer and basic legal rights, and the charges against him appear groundless.

Another monk arrested in connection with Tenzin Delek's case, Tashi Phuntsog was recently released from prison in terrible health, unable to walk or speak clearly.  He had been arrested in April 2002 in connection with Tenzin Delek's case.  Another man, Lobsang Taphel, is still in prison serving a 5-year sentence, and there are grave concerns about how he is being treated.

Please write to the Chinese Minister of Justice and the Director of Justice in Sichuan Province and ask them to free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and Lobsang Taphel immediately.