(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 15 October 2008 WiPC press release: CHINA/TIBET: Tibetan writer Rangjung detained without charges The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Rangjung, a Tibetan writer, singer and television presenter, who has reportedly been held without charge since 11 September 2008. The […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 15 October 2008 WiPC press release:
CHINA/TIBET: Tibetan writer Rangjung detained without charges
The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Rangjung, a Tibetan writer, singer and television presenter, who has reportedly been held without charge since 11 September 2008. The WiPC fears that Rangjung may be held for his online writings, and if so, calls for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.
According to the WiPC’s information, Rangjung was arrested at his home in Amdo Golok, eastern Tibet, on 11 September 2008. No charges against him have been made public, although it is feared that he may be detained for views expressed on his weblog ( http://www.tibetabc.cn/user1/lcjk/index.html ). Rangjung (who like many Tibetans is known by one name only) is known for his outspoken pro-Tibetan views, and has published two books on Tibetan culture and history, Dhung shen kharpo (Pure Loyalty) and Himalaya Reboed (Himalaya Call for Hope). He is twenty-five years old, and worked as a news presenter for a local television company prior to his arrest. He has four children, and his family has reportedly not been informed of the reason for his arrest.
