"Following trial according to law at Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court, verdicts have been issued on trials of the first instance finding Basang [Pasang] and a total of 30 defendants guilty of the crime of arson, the crime of looting, the crime of stirring up criminality, the crime of gathering others to attack organs of the state, the crime of obstructing public duties and the crime of theft.
The defendants Basang [Pasang], Suolang Ciren [Sonam Tsering], and Ciren [Tsering] were sentenced to life imprisonment according to law; the defendants Jinmei [Jigme], Gesang Bazhu [Kalsang Bagdro], Gema Dawa [Karma Dawa], Duojue [Dorje], Mima [Migmar], Awang Quyang [Ngawang Choeyang] and Bazhu [Bagdro] were sentenced to fixed terms of 15 years and above; the defendants Yajie [Yargyal], Qupei Zhazi [Choephel Tashi], Duoji Dajie [Dorje Dargye], Awang [Ngawang], Gesang Ciren [Kalsang Tsering], Mima [Migmar], Suolang Ciren [Sonam Tsering], Luoang Sangdan [Kelsang Samten], Cidan [Tseten], Peisang Zhaxi [Palsang Tashi], Laba Ciren (Sr.) [Lhagpa Tsering Chewa (Sr.)], Luosang Zhaxi [Lobsang Tashi], Laba Ciren [Lhagpa Tsering], Taqing [Darchen], Tudan Jiacuo [Thubten Gyatso], Zhaxi Jiacuo [Tashi Gyatso], Gesang Dunzhu [Kalsang Dondrub], Danzeng Jiancai [Tenzin Gyaltsen], Gesang Nima [Kalsang Nyima] and Yixi [Yeshe] were sentenced to differing fixed terms of between three years and 14 years.
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PRESS RELEASE *The Kashag condemns sentences imposed on 30 Tibetans*
We 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 free and 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 in detention.
The Kashag
1 May 2008
Dharamsala
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