URGENT APPEAL CASE - February 7, 1996

We have just received news of the arrest of Ngawang Choephel, a Tibetan music teacher.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Ngawang Choephel aged 30, was a resident of Mundgod Tibetan Settlement, Camp No. 2 in South India. He taught music at the Central School for Tibetans in Mundgod settlement. Previously he had studied Tibetan music and dance at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala. In August 1993, Ngawang Choephel went to America for further studies and returned in May 1994. In July/August 1995, he went to Tibet. However, nothing was heard of him after that.

ARREST

According to our source in Tibet, Ngawang Choephel was arrested in Shigatse in July/August 1995 and is being detained by the Chinese authorities. He was reportedly arrested for taking some pictures. Ngawang Choephel's whereabouts are not known.

Ngawang Choephel's mother, Sonam Dekyi is deeply concerned about her son's disappearance and relative safety.

The Human Rights Desk requests your urgent intervention in this case. Please distribute this information and appeal for Ngawang Choephel's quick release.

Human Rights Desk

Department of Information and International Relations

Central Tibetan Administration

Gangchne Kyishong

Dharamsala 176 215

INDIA