Dharamshala: - The Central Tibetan Administration Friday, has condemned the harsh prison sentences given to eight Tibetans, who were convicted of inciting others to self-immolate to protest Chinese rule.
Six more Tibetans from Labrang, Tibet, have been pronounced equally harsh sentences. The six Tibetans are Pema Dhondup, Kalsang Gyatso, Pema Tso, Lhamo Dhondup, Dhukar Gyal and Yangmo Kyid. "In last two days eight Tibetans have become victim of Chinese wanton onslaught," Kalon Dolma Gyari, Chairperson for Media Committee of the Tibetan People's Solidarity Campaign, New Delhi said in a statement issued on Friday, February 1.
"The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) based in Dharamsala, India categorically condemns the harsh sentences. It is unacceptable as the verdicts have been given out without due process and proper representation," Kalon Dolma Gyari said.
"The series of rushed sentences clearly show that Tibetans in Tibet are denied basic human rights. It is also evident that these are done in utter disregard to the Tibetan aspiration and deep anguish at the continuing self-immolations in Tibet. 99 Tibetans have self-immolated so far," she stated in the statement.
"The CTA holds the Chinese leadership solely responsible for the growing unrest and deteriorating situation in Tibet. We believe the world cannot remain a silent witness to this growing tragedy in Tibet," Dolma Gyari further said.
In another trial on Thursday, January 31, Lobsang Konchok, 40, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve in eastern Tibet (Chinese: Aba prefecture in Sichuan province), while his nephew, Lobsang Tsering, 31, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, the state owned news agency claimed.
The communist regime claims most Tibetans are happy and touts its efforts to bring economic development to the region. But, Tibetans accuse China of cultural, religious and political oppression. Tibetans are also angered by the regime's repeated vitriol directed at the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the the Dalai Lama, who is seeking a "meaningful" autonomy for Tibet and its people.
