Dhondup Wanchen sentenced to six years imprisonment

Dhondup Wangchen was sentenced to six years imprisonment for “subversion” according to a statement released by his family on January 6 2010. His wife Lhamo Tso said "I appeal to the court in Xining to allow my husband to have a legal representative of his own choosing. My children and I feel desperate about the prospect of not being able to see him for so many years. We call on the Chinese authorities to show humanity by releasing him. My husband is not a criminal, he just tried to show the truth."

The statement can be read in full here.

Wangchen was sentenced on 28 December 2009 by the Xining Intermediate People’s Court in Qinghai, according to the statement. The statement also said that the Chinese authorities in Xining had neither informed Wangchen’s relatives in Xining that the trial was taking place, nor of the court’s verdict.

On 6 April 2010 Dhondup was transferred to Xichuan Labou Camp in Qinghai Province.According to the Washington DC based Laogai Research Foundation, Xichuan Prison manufactures aluminum alloy windows, ordinary bricks, porous and hollow bricks and sinter concrete blocks. There is great concern for Dhondup's health who has contracted Hepatitis B in prison. Dhondup's cousin, a former political prisoner himself reported that many people he knows who were imprisoned in Xichuan Labour Camp complained of harsh conditions.

The sentencing of Wangchen has been reported by the Tibetan government in exile as well as in articles in The Guardian and AFP

TAKE ACTION You can help Dhondup Wangchen by writing to the Chinese government or local politicians. Sample letters can be found here.   Take action

Dhondup Wangchen's rights Dhondup Wangchen's human and legal rights were violated in order to secure a conviction. Read more about the case here.   Read more

Behind the Sea Dhondup Wangchen's wife Lhamo Tso's short film 'Behind the Sea' covers her feelings regarding her husband's arrest and treatment and calls for his release.   Watch the film here

More on the case More information on the background to the case, the significance of the film 'Leaving Fear Behind' and comments from people who know him.   More here