Tibet calls on EU to defend rights

The European Union must clearly condemn China’s persecution of Tibetans.  Marking the 26th edition of Dialogue with China on Human Rights, ongoing in Prague, the rights group Free Tibet (Ft) has asked European leaders to take a clear stand on the issue and to use the forum to ask for concessions in favour of the people of Tibet.China’s campaign of persecution in Tibet has been stepped up in recent months.  

For over a year now more than 1,000 detainees, arrested during the March 2008 protests, have been held in prisons.  Recently 5 Tibetans wee condemned to death accused of having set fire to areas in Lhasa during the protests.Ft is asking the EU to press Beijing over the reasons behind these sentences and for a list of names and the whereabouts of the 1.000 Tibetans detained as well as for an International commission to be set up to investigate the 2008 protests and the manner in which the trials were held. 

Stephanie Bridgen, Ft director, observes that “With access to justice and the rights of defendants on the agenda, EU officials have a vital opportunity to state their firm opposition to the death sentences recently imposed on five Tibetans”, “imposed in courts closed to independent observers”.