B4-0275/94

Resolution on the sentence of up to 15 years' imprisonment pronounced against five Tibetans in China for 'counter-revolutionary activities'

The European Parliament,

A.deeply concerned about the continuing violation of human rights in the People's Republic of China and in Tibet and, in particular, the continuing illegal detention of political prisoners, some of them for several years,

B.disturbed by the sentencing announced on 26 July 1994 by a court in Pakshoe county of five Tibetans in eastern Tibet to 12 to 15 years' imprisonment for 'counter-revolutionary sabotage' and 'counter-revolutionary propaganda and incitement',

C.appalled that the ringleaders, Jigme Dorje, Lobsang Dargye and Pema Tsering were sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment, followed by five years' deprivation of their political rights and that Lobsang Palden and Jampa Tashi were each sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment with four years' deprivation of political rights,

D.concerned that these sentences are totally disproportionate to the crime that these men allegedly committed - i.e. the smashing of a government building nameplate and the pasting up of pro-independence slogans in March 1994,

E.conscious of the fact that trial procedures in Tibet, as well as in China, fall far short of international standards for fairness, especially for political prisoners,

1.Urges the Chinese authorities to review the heavy sentences imposed upon the five men;

2.Asks them to make public full details of the trials;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights and the Premier of the People's Republic of China.