The Kashag condemns sentences imposed on 30 Tibetans

Thursday, 1 May 2008, 5:05 p.m.

Dharamshala: In a press
statement issued on 1 May 2008, the Kashag condemned the arbitrary
sentences imposed on 30 Tibetans involved in the recent unrest inside
Tibet.

The full text of the press statement reads:

We strongly condemn the arbitrary sentences imposed on the 30
Tibetans involved in the recent protests in Tibet. The penalty imposed
on the 30 Tibetans ranges from three years to life imprisonment for
merely exercising their freedom of expression. These sentences are
disproportionate to what the Chinese authorities say are the “crimes”
they committed.

These trials were not fair and transparent, did not follow the
due process of law and the accused were denied independent lawyers to
defend their case.

We fear that many such arbitrary trials will follow to lock up
all those Tibetans presently under detention. All such future trials
must be open and transparent. Those under trial deserve independent
lawyers who can defend their case without fear and favour.

Most importantly we urge the Chinese government to do away with
this pretence of a fair trial and release immediately all those
Tibetans presently under detention.