Film-maker jailed, China - On 28 December, Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for a documentary shot before the before the Beijing Olympics 2008.
The film, Leaving Fear Behind, features interviews with Tibetans voicing scepticism about the Chinese government’s promises for greater freedom in the run up to the games.
On 26 March 2008, Dhondup Wangchen was detained in Quinhai province. During weeks of interrogation he was beaten and deprived of food and sleep.
On 28 December, Dhondup Wangchen was tried in secret and found guilty of ‘subversion’ and sentenced.
In July 2009, the authorities forced his lawyers to stop representing him.
APPEAL: Please write calling for Dhondup Wangchen’s release and for an investigation into the torture allegations to: Her Excellency Mrs Fu Ying, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, 49-51 Portland Place, London, W1B 4JL.
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