China: Tibetan internet writer detained
Published: April 25, 2008
English PEN protests the detention of Jamyang Kyi, prominent Tibetan singer and a song-writer, internet writer and feminist activist, who has reportedly been held without charge since 1 April 2008.
According to our information, Jamyang Kyi, who is also a TV producer, was reportedly escorted from her office at Qinghai TV, in Qinghai Province, northwest of the country, on 1 April 2008, and continues to be held without charge. There are reports that police confiscated her personal computer and her contact lists after searching her home. Her husband says that he was last able to contact her on 7 April. Radio Free Asia, without revealing its source, reported that the police in Xining, the capital of Qinghai, had formally arrested Kyi, but that the charges were not disclosed.
Jamyang Kyi, aged forty-two, is said to be highly regarded amongst Tibetans for her performing and activism. She toured the United States in 2006, and has released four successful albums that mix modern 'pop' and traditional Tibetan music. She has published articles on women's rights in Tibet. Her blog, which is apparently very popular among young Tibetans, has not been updated for some months. It can be found in Chinese following this link http://www.tibetabc.cn/user1/jamyangkyi/
Kyi has worked as a producer in the Tibetan-language section of state-run Qinghai TV for twenty years. This is thought to be the first time that she has suffered persecution by the authorities.
The arrest of Jamyang Kyi occurs amidst the crackdown on anti-government protestors in the Tibet Autonomous Region and neighbouring provinces. There are accounts of arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force in breaking up the demonstrators.
Please send appeals:
- Expressing serious concern at the arrest of Tibetan writer Jamyang Kyi and seeking details of the charges against her;
- Calling for her immediate and unconditional release, if held in violation of her right to freedom of expression, in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.
Addresses:
His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China
Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Party Committee
Zhang Qingli
Zhonggong Xizang Zizhiqu Weiyuanhui
Lhasashi, Xizang Zizhiqu
People's Republic of China
Please note that fax numbers are no longer available for the Chinese authorities, so it may be more effective to forward appeals via the Chinese representatives in London:
Her Excellency Mrs. Fu Ying
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
49-51 Portland Place
London W1B 4JL