-filed by OoT, Brussel-
Brussel: Tibet Interest Group (TIG) at the European Parliament met for its last meeting before the elections of the parliament in May with Dhondup Wangchen as a special guest. According to MEP Mann, the Chair, this was the 110th meeting of the group in this term.
It was fitting that Dhondup was to present his testimony to the group. Among various institutions and organisations that had helped campaign for Dhondup Wangchen’s release, the European Parliament had been at the forefront to highlight his case during his incarceration in a Chinese prison.
Representative Tashi Phuntsok introduced Dhondup before his presentation. 45-year Dhondup, a self-taught filmmaker, drew the wrath of the Chinese government and received inhuman perpetration with punishment for 6 years in prison without appeal for his tremendous documentary ‘Leaving Fear Behind’ of 2008. Championed by various international NGOs and after serving his full term in prison he was released on 5 June 2014. He escaped from Tibet to the United States in 2017 December where he eventually obtained asylum.
Translated by Rigzin Choedon Genkhang, Dhondup spoke in detail and but precisely about his documentary film, his 3 detentions ending with his imprisonment for 6 years. He narrated the propaganda of China painting Tibet in rosy picture whilst Tibetans are disemboweled of their heritage and identity. While the Chinese constitution guarantees rights for people and prisoners, in fact, nothing is respected. Tibetan prisoners are especially discriminated. Tortured and manacled and kept for 7 days and nights in isolation without food, he was denied medical aid while he suffered Hepatitis B.
He further brought to light the miserable life of a political prisoner after release. It’s not better than imprisonment. You are under constant surveillance. Your friends and relatives are harassed. Your contacts and communication are monitored. That’s why he thanked the MEPs for their work and support. He appealed to them to continue despite Chinese pressure and power. It was not only for Tibet and Tibetans but for protection of human rights under China.
While thanking for his testimony, MEP Mann asked whether the campaign for Tibetan prisoners in the outside world is known by Tibetans in Tibet. How to better communication. To his another questioned as to how he retained hope under such harsh condition, Dhondup replied that he was doing what every Tibetan is expected to do and that he kept his hope and determination. MEP Tunne Kelem from Estonia wanted to know how over 100 Tibetans took part in his documentary. MEP Csaba Sogor of Romania thanked him for his personal account under communist China. He said that those without experience in living under the Communist regime, especially the young, think that it is rosy under communist rule.
Dhondup will meet with international NGOs in Brussels. He will also take part in the European Rally for Tibet to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10 in Brussels. Over 5000 Tibetans from various European countries are expected to be in the Rally.