Antenna International, a member of our network, has reported that the Chinese authorities have carried out a campaign named "striking a powerful blow" in order to crack down on independence activities. During this campaign several persons were detained and ill-treated including the following:

Jigme GYATSO, a monk, was detained on May 19th 1995 by the Xiyahe County Police on suspicion of putting up posters at Labrang monastery. He is reported to have been deprived of sleep and badly beaten up as a result of which he could not move his arms or legs. The police are alleged to have demanded and received one thousand yuan from his parents for his release. He appeared to be suffering from brain or neurological damage but doctors at the Xiahe County Hospital refused to treat him because of his political record and he had to be taken to the Traditional Tibetan Hospital for treatment.

Drolkar Gyap, (In Chinese: Zhong Gejia), aged 26, a layman, was detained in June 1995 "for political reasons" according to reports. Unlike other cases he has been tried and has been sentenced to 7 years in prison for an unspecified political offence, according to reports from China.

Another monk, Konchog Jigme, a member of the administration of the Labrang Monastery, was detained in June and is reported to have been badly beaten. He has still not been charged after three months' detention.

Benza TRINLEY, aged 26, a monk from Labrang, is reported missing after a trip to Lhasa. He was detained by police in November 1994 in Xiahe after returning from Lhasa where he is reported to have been searching unsuccessfully for his brother who is said to have run away from Labrang. There has been no news of Benza since, except for a report that he is held in custody in Tsoe (in Chinese: Hezuo) 60 kms from Labrang.

Action requested

Please contact the Chinese authorities urging them to:

i. guarantee the life and safety of the above-mentioned persons and order the immediate release of those who may still be in custody;

ii. put an end to the illegal and arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of monks and other persons of Tibetan origin;

iii. ensure the respect of human rights and fundamental liberties for all persons on Tibetan territory in accordance with international standards.