Two Tibetan businessmen called Tabo and Di-Di were detained by Chinese authorities on 12 and 14 February 2003 respectively in the town of Lithang in Sichuan Province according to a recent report by Human Rights Watch. They are being held incommunicado without access to lawyers, family or medical personnel. There are fears that they are at risk of torture as officials have not confirmed that they are in custody. The authorities apparently suspected that these men had leaked information on the torture and detentions centering around Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche's case to the outside world. The local authorities have also reportedly banned all members of the family and local people from talking about the case to foreign journalists. As all Urgent Campaign members are no doubt aware, this case has generated huge international concern and made life very uncomfortable for the Chinese authorities who are desperate that the truth is suppressed.

Di-Di, a wealthy businessman, is a cousin or close relative of Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche. He was in court during the original trial of Lobsang Dhondup and Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche in December when both men were sentenced to death. Reports emerged from the original trial that described how Tenzin Deleg had criticised the court and shouted out his support for the Dalai Lama.

These latest detentions follow the restrictions imposed by local officials of the use of fax machines and on making long distance phone calls by people in the area. This was an effort to stem the flow of information emerging about the crackdown of human rights in the Kardze province and in the town of Lithang in particular.

There are now a total of ten people held in connection with this case. The whereabouts of Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche remain a mystery and fears still persist for his current safety. Four other monks remain detained without charge or access to lawyers, family or medical personnel since April/May 2002 for their support of the Rinpoche or suspected involvement in "causing explosions". Tserang Dhondrup (aka Jortse), a 65-70 year old village elder is serving a five year prison sentence that may be as a result of his vocal support for the Rinpoche and is reported to be in poor health. Finally, there are two young monks who are still missing following their interrogation by Chinese authorities in April 2002.

Please take action now to ensure that China is left in no uncertain doubt that pressure on this case will continue to grow and not dissipate.

Please write to those listed below requesting the following actions: