EU expresses “deep regret” at the execution of Lobsang Dhondup
6 February, 2003: Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the execution of Lobsang Dhondup
The European Union expresses deep regret and disappointment at the execution of Lobsang Dhondup immediately after the Sichuan High People’s Court upheld his death sentence, despite international concerns voiced at the lack of transparency of the process concerning his case and that of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.
The European Union reiterates its concerns on the conditions under which the trial was conducted and the lack of certainty as to whether due process and other safeguards for a fair trial were respected, and considers this a serious violation of the rights of the two defendants.
It also reiterates its policy on the death penalty, including its insistence that in case the death penalty is maintained, the internationally accepted minimum standards should be respected. This includes all possible safeguards to ensure a fair trial and adequate fair representation as well as the need for clear and convincing evidence.
The European Union has voiced these concerns to the Chinese authorities, urged them to review the case against Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and expressed as well its expectation that his death sentence will not be upheld.
The Acceding Countries the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia,
Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration.
Brussels, 5 February 2003
5925/03 (Presse 23)
P14/03
- The European Parliament Condemns Lobsang Dhondup’s Execution (31.01.2003)
- Tibetans protest the Chinese execution of Lobsang Dhondup (30.01.2003)
- Tibetans in exile mourn the Chinese execution of a Tibetan (28.01.2003)
- Dharamsala deeply regrets the reported execution of Lobsang Dhondup (27.01.2003)