Cameron must not be gagged by lure of Chinese investment |
High profile releases must not cloud bigger human rights picture when Cameron meets Wen
26 June 2011
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao may be hoping that the release of two high profile political prisoners in China in the last few days will soften any resolve David Cameron may have mustered to take a firm stand on human rights when the two leaders meet in London.
Free Tibet Director Stephanie Brigden said:
“The Prime Minister must not allow these high profile releases to cloud the bigger picture. Hundreds of political prisoners remain in detention and at risk of torture in Tibet and China, and the human rights situation overall is at its worst since 1989. Mr Cameron must speak up clearly and publicly for ordinary Tibetans and Chinese who suffer gross violations of their human rights under Chinese Communist Party rule; he must not be gagged on by the lure of Chinese investment.”
Prisoners like 84-year-old Paljor do not enjoy the protection that Ai Weiwei and Hu Jia have as a result of their international profiles. Paljor was arrested in 2008 and sentenced to seven years in prison for allegedly 'printing illegal materials' including the banned Tibetan national flag. Paljor's whereabouts are unknown, and his age means that there is particular concern for his wellbeing. (1)
Paljor Norbu
Ends
Notes to Editor
Free Tibet, with a Coalition of UK-based Tibet groups, is protesting against Wen Jiabao while he is in London
Free Tibet Director Stephanie Brigden is attending the protests and is available for comment. She can be contacted on: +44 (0)7971 479515
Sunday 26 June 2011, 3 – 6pm: see attached photos; please credit Anna Branthwaite
Harvey Nicholls, Opposite the Mandarin Hotel, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Monday 27 June 2011, 11am – 1pm
10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA
Monday 27 June 2011, 2 – 3:30pm
The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG
Photographs from the protests will be available from Harriet@freetibet.org / +44 (0)207 324 4605
Free Tibet is an international campaigning organisation that stands for the right of Tibetans to determine their own future. We campaign for an end to the Chinese occupation of Tibet and for the fundamental human rights of Tibetans to be respected.
For interviews and further information please contact Free Tibet’s Director Stephanie Brigden
T: +44 (0)207 324 4605
M: +44 (0)7971 479515