Kunchok Tsephel
Detained: February 26, 2009.
Charges: Disclosing State Secrets.
Sentence: 15 years in prison.
Biography: Kunchok Tsephel is an official in a Chinese government environmental department and the founder of the first Tibetan literary website, Chodme or Butter Lamp. This website, with assistance from poet Kyabchen Dedrol, was founded in 2005 for the purpose of promoting Tibetan literature and culture in China. The Chinese government actively monitored the website since its beginnings, and on several occasions, authorities have shut down public access to the website. In March 2008, the Chinese authorities began to crackdown in the Tibet Autonomous Region following the anti-government protests in Lhasa and other areas; since the onslaught, over 40 Tibetans have been taken into custody for their works on issues contrary to the party's position. On February 26, 2009, Chinese authorities targeted and detained Kunchok. While being held in their custody, officers searched his home and seized his computer, cell phone, and other personal belongings. For nine months, the government failed to inform Kunchok's family about his arrest and condition. Then on November 12, 2009, his family was summoned to attend the trial at the Intermediate People's Court of Kanlho, only hear that he had been sentenced to 15 years in prison on the charges of disclosing state secrets. Kunchok's trial was conducted behind closed doors and he was denied access to a lawyer.
Many believe that published content on his website, especially information regarding the 2008 protests that occurred across the Tibetan plateau, led to his arrest and conviction.
Kunchok was reportedly released early on March 18, 2022 due to "good behavior" and allegedly helping to save the life of another prisoner. He returned to his family after his release, but his health condition remains unknown.
Kunchok Tsephel was CONDITIONALLY RELEASED on March 18, 2022.
Advocate: Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
Advocacy Partner: PEN America
Updates:
- During the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Rep. Jamie Raskin released a statement on February 17, 2022 calling on the Chinese government to release Kunchok Tsephel.
- Kunchok was released after 13 years in prison.