[Delivered at a rally jointly organized by the U.S. Tibet Committee, Dokham Chushi Gangdruk of New York and New Jersey, Regional Tibetan Youth Association of New York and New Jersey, and Students for a Free Tibet, NYC]

Human Rights in China protests and condemns the prolonged-detention and persecution of Tashi Wangchuk, who peacefully advocated for a genuine bilingual education in Tibetan areas so that the Tibetan language and culture may be preserved.

HRIC stands in solidarity with the Tibetan community in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Tashi Wangchuk.

Article 4 of the Chinese Constitution guarantees the freedom of all of China’s nationalities to use their languages and preserve their customs.

To try Tashi Wangchuk for “inciting separatism” for exercising a constitutionally guaranteed right makes a mockery of China’s Constitution. His prosecution adds another glaring example to the Chinese authorities’ misuse of the judicial system as an instrument of oppression. It highlights, again, the Chinese government’s systematic trampling on the fundamental rights—including cultural, religious, and political rights—of the Tibetan people.

In the upcoming UN reviews of China’s human rights record, the international community must address China’s ongoing impunity and press China harder to respect its obligations under the international human rights framework.