Qinghai, Tibetan writer released from prison after eight years: he had helped a friend in prison
Xining (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The authorities of Qinghai province in northwest China, have released a Tibetan political writer sentenced to 10 years in prison on the charge of having "smuggled" a letter-appeal from a friend writer who was in prison.
Kalsang Sonam, 34, was released from prison on October 27 after eight years of imprisonment. Radio Free Asia reports that the writer is now at his home in County Dola (Qilian in Chinese) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Haibei.
Gyume, a Tibetan citizen, said that the police escorted Dola Sonam from Xining to his village of Dranmak, to avoid the famous author being given a public welcome by family and friends, "Sonam returned home secretly, and people have been kept in the dark about the time of his arrival. Many people, including his parents - continues the man - waited on the road from Xining but the authorities delayed his arrival and so no one was able to welcome him. In any case, many Tibetans flocked to his house the next day to say hello. "
These include Kyab Dolma, a Tibetan teacher released on 8 October after 10 years of imprisonment on charges of espionage and "endangering national security". Sonam had been arrested for "smuggling" a letter from Kyab addressed to the United Nations.
Kalsang Sonam studied as a novice at the monastery of Arik's Chokor Ganden Ling, before heading to the Autonomous Prefecture of Huangnan to study Tibetan language and poetry. In 2003, Sonam studied for a year at the school Gatsel Sherab Ling in Dharamsala, India.
Starting from the violent Tibetan protests in 2008, Beijing has continued to periodically arrest writers, artists, singers and teachers who defend the identity, language and culture of Tibet. A few days ago, the Chinese authorities freed Pema Rigdzin, a musician accused of writing "patriotic songs".
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18/11/2008
