Great Regulars: International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee

issued a statement condemning Tan's Feb. 9 sentencing for "inciting subversion of state power".

"Tan Zuoren's conviction and continuing imprisonment are in direct violation of his right to freedom of expression and opinion," the group said in a statement on its Web site.

"[We call] for his immediate and unconditional release according to Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory," it said.

from Luisetta Mudie: Radio Free Asia: Group Calls for Tan's Release
also English PEN: China: Writer Tan Zuoren sentenced

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"The person who composed the lyrics and tune escaped, but Tashi Dhondup sang the songs, made copies, and distributed them," the document said, adding that the singer had "acknowledged his activities without any hesitation."

The evidence presented to the board included lyrics of songs sung by Tashi Dhondup, translated from Tibetan into Chinese, some of his songs in which he calls for Tibetan independence, drawings and photos of him singing, and statements of witnesses.

"In accordance with Clauses 4 and 13 of the re-education through labor policy of the State Council of China, Tashi Dhondup is sent for one year and three months' hard labor from Dec. 3, 2009 to March 2, 2011."

from Luisetta Mudie: Radio Free Asia: Tibetan Singer Gets Prison

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