Karma Tsewang is the highly-regarded abbot (Khenpo) at the Gongya Monastery in Nangqian (Nangchen) county, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in Qinghai Province. He was seized on 6 December in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, by public security officers from Changdu (Chamdo) prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, while travelling on business. After his arrest, 4,000 people signed a petition calling for his release and 600 protested. This protest included many monks, 16 of whom were detained and later released in part because of Amnesty International’s pressure.
There are ongoing concerns about Karma Tsewang’s health in jail; he has hepatitis and, though his family gave his medications to the jail, there is no way to know if he has in fact received them. Tsewang has not been permitted to see his family or a lawyer of his choosing throughout the process.
Tsewang is a recognized authority in Tibet, particularly for his work in support of Tibetan culture and language. He is also actively involved in humanitarian operations in disaster mitigation, such as after the 2010 earthquake in Yushu county, Qinghai Province, which killed over 2,000 people.
Tato petice je již ukončena.
Celé znění on-line petice, kterou posíláme adresátům.
Immediate release of Karma Tsewang;
Allow Karma Tsewang access to his family and a lawyer of his choosing;
Provide Karma Tsewang with any necessary medical care;
and Ensure Karma Tsewang is not tortured or subject to any mistreatment.
Dear Director,
Allow me to turn to you to express my deep concern for Karma Tsewang, prominent Tibetan monk, who has been detained at the Chengdu County Detention Centre, Tibet Autonomous Region, since 6 December, after he was seized in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, while traveling on business. He is being held on the suspicion of “endangering state security”, but what this might relate to has not been confirmed.
As a prisoner of conscience, Karma Tsewang must be immediately and unconditionally released because the criminal charges waged against him are unfounded. Amnesty International claims that Karma Tsewang has been detained by the authorities because of his position as a prominent Tibetan monk. Moreover, Karma Tsewang has been denied the access to the lawyers of his choice. In doing so, the authorities in China are thus denying him the right to a fair trial.
Furthermore, Amnesty International remains gravely concerned for the health and well-being of Karma Tsewang, as he suffers from hepatitis and requires regular medication. While imprisoned, the authorities must therefore provide him with the medical care and medication he requires to manage his serious health condition.
Thank you for your consideration in this urgent matter.
Yours sincerely,
