Great Regulars: I am saddened by the Chinese Government sentencing Liu Xiaobo,

a well-known Chinese writer, to an 11-year jail term.

By sentencing Liu Xiaobo and others like him, who use freedom of expression to publicly articulate their opinions, the Chinese authorities have not only violated the binding principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the freedom of expression mentioned in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China.

I urge the Chinese Government to release, as soon as possible, Liu Xiaobo and other political prisoners who were jailed for exercising their freedom of expression.

I offer my regards and prayers to Mr. Liu Xiaobo, his wife and other family members.

The Dalai Lama

December 28, 2009

from Tenzin Gyatso: The Office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama: Message

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