Tibetan Monks Arrested for "Freedom" Postings

TCHRD, Friday, July 15, 2005

Four Tibetan monks from Labrang Tashikyil Monastery inSangchu County, Ganan Tibet Autonomous Prefecture ("TAP"), Gansu Province, have been arrested by Chinese Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers on 23 May 2005, according to confirmed information received by theTibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD).

Jamyang Dhondup, Dhargay Gyatso and two other unidentified monks were arrested on suspicion of pasting bills calling for "freedom in Tibet". On 22 May 2005, numerous bills that called for freedom in Tibet were found pasted on the walls of Labrang Tashikyil Monastery and its surrounding areas.

Following the incident, PSB officers from Sangchu County after rigorous investigation arrested the monks from their monastery on the ground of suspicion. Their whereabouts are currently unknown after they were led away by the PSB officers from the monastery.

Dhargay Gyatso, 25, was born in Arig Village, and admitted to Labrang Tashikyil Monastery at an early age. He traveled to India in 1996 and studied Buddhist scriptures for six years in a south India Tibetan monastery. In 2003, he returned to Tibet.

While Jamyang Tharchin, 23, hails from Malho County, detailed information on the other two monks is not available as yet.

In another case, Chung Tsering, a monk at Pangsa Monastery was arrested in April 2005 on suspicion ofpasting pro-independence bills on the gate of Tashi Gang Township Administration Office in Meldrogungkar County in "Tibet Autonomous Region" ("TAR"). He is currently known to be detained at Lhasa City PSB Detention Centre.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the "TAR". Massive preparations are underway for commemorating the event in September 2005. As a prohibitive measure to restrict any political activism during the anniversary, strict measures have been applied in Lhasa City and its neighbouring counties.

Tibetans who fall under suspicion of engaging in political activism and former political prisoners are rounded up either for detention or interrogations. Their families have been told to accept responsibility to ensure that they do not engage in political activities during the time. In some cases, former political prisoners have been ordered to leave Lhasa as a precautionary measure so that a smooth celebration of the 40th anniversary can take place.

On 8 July 2005, the Tibet daily reported on a report released by the "TAR" Procuracy that details the achievements in the 49 years of its existence. An extract in the report entitled ( roughly translated as) "Landmarks in 49 Years of Glittering Existence" stated, "The Procuracy has struck down on the Dalai clique, separatist forces based inside and outside (Tibet), Falun Gong practitioners and religious figures engaging in activities endangering state security. It has also taken active participation in assisting the TAR government in securing the border and curbing illegal travelers. Since 2001, the Procuracy has prepared 66 cases of endangering state security and arrest orders for 82 people. 78 people out of 63 cases have appealed to courts after investigations."