Introduction to Tibet

• Historical Tibet is the size of Western Europe.

• Tibet was an independent nation, with a sovereign government, legal system, national currency, common language and customs

• China’s name for Tibet ‘Xizang’ translates to “western treasure house” because of its vast mineral deposits and third largest store of water in-ice in the world

• Tibet was invaded by China between 1949 and 1951

• Tibet has been occupied for more than 60 years

• Heavy military presence on the streets

• Basic human rights are denied

The Occupation of Tibet

Lhasa, Tibet’s capital

Torture in Tibet

Torture is “widespread and routine” in Tibet and China

UN 2008

Types of torture used in Tibet

• Electric shocks• Suspension in the air• Cigarette burns• Mock execution• Sexual violence• Prolonged solitary confinement• Beatings

Palden Gyatso lost his teeth after an electric baton was

used in his mouth

Why are Tibetans tortured• To punish, extract confessions, instil fear

and deter acts of dissent

Acts that can result in torture:

• Possessing a photograph of the Dalai Lama

• Flying the banned Tibetan national flag

• Writing about democracy and freedom for Tibet

• Providing information about the situation in Tibet

• Participating in peaceful protests

Thousands vulnerable to torture following 2008 mass protest

March 2008, eastern TibetThe monks are carrying the banned

Tibetan flag and a photo of the Dalai Lama.

Case study: Namgyal“During my time in detention myself and fellow torture victims promised each other that those who were released would seek help from the international community.” Namgyal

•Arrested for planning to organise a peaceful protest

•Tortured for weeks

•Different types of torture used: electric shocks, burns, hung from ceiling, beatings

•Held for over one year without charge

Namgyal, a 37-year-old monk was tortured for his alleged involvement

in organising a protest

Case study: Choedon

• 16 years old at time of detention

• Detained for peaceful protest

• Tortured by prison officials

• Family not informed of arrest or whereabouts

• Released without charge after 1 year and 3 months

Choedon in exile in India, following her escape from Tibet

Free Tibet’s Stop Torture in Tibet campaign

• Exposed gross human rights violations to the UN

• Worked with celebrities to raise public awareness

• Launched the Stop Torture in Tibet website

http://www.freetibet.org/pages/torture.html

• Successfully lobbied the UK government to address

torture with China

• Raising awareness in China through Chinese

language website

Impact

• Exposing cases of torture results in improved treatment of prisoners

• Eight out of ten visitors to Free Tibet’s website reported increased knowledge of torture

What YOU can do?

• Raise awareness about torture in Tibet – spread the word!

• Join Free Tibet

• Follow Free Tibet on twitter and Facebook

• Post videos on your Facebook wall

• Write to your MP

Twitter: freetibetorg