Dear [Minister / Your Excellency]


I was shocked to hear that five Tibetans have recently been sentenced to death for their alleged role in starting fatal fires in Lhasa in March last year during mass protests.

I am particularly concerned that two of them, Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak could be executed within weeks.

I am writing to you as I, and many others across the world will be saddened that such severe sentences are being handed out, and to appeal to you to reverse these decisions. Doing so would demonstrate to the world that the People's Republic of China is serious about improving human rights, thereby increasing the respectability of the Chinese Government abroad.

I would also like your assurances that these trials were carried out in an open court, and with all internationally agreed legal safeguards in place. If not, I request that re-trials take place which correspond to these standards. I also request a full list of the names and locations of all Tibetans still in detention since last year's protests.

Please consider these requests seriously, as you will be aware that China's standing in the eyes of the world's media, governments and citizens abroad is highly dependent on promises China has made to improve human rights and to ensure that trials of this kind are conducted fairly.

Yours sincerely,

YOUR NAME