Release Tibetan singers

Help us reach our target of 8,000 names

Sign our petition to Wu Aiying, China's Justice Minister...

At least ten singers have been imprisoned by China in Tibet since 2012, joining thousands of other political prisoners in this occupied country.

Many are jailed without explanation and disappear for months on end.

Their families are kept in the dark about their whereabouts and after they are tried and sentenced, the nature of their "crime" may not even be made public.

The United Nations has described torture in Tibet as being "widespread" and "routine".

Tell China's Minister of Justice Wu Aiying to release the following

Lolo

Shawo Tashi

Pema Thinley

Chakdor

Chokyal

Achok Phulshung

Kalsang Yarphel

Trinley Tsekar

Gongpo Tsezin

And to ensure that all Tibetans are free to express themselves without fear of punishment.

In 2012 and 2013, China jailed ten Tibetan singers after they wrote and performed songs celebrating Tibet, opposing China's occupation and calling for freedom. In December 2013, one of them - Trinley Tsekar - was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Music is a vital part of Tibetans' resistance to Chinese rule. Singers like these not only keep alive a culture that China is trying to erase from the world, but their songs articulate the aspirations, fears and courage of a people who remain proud and defiant after 60 years of occupation.

The Chinese state has undermined, dismantled and systematically attacked Tibetan culture for decades. By persecuting these musicians China is suppressing the culture of Tibet, as well as abusing their human rights.

What can you do?

Those imprisoned are listed below. Click on the links to learn more about each singer, watch videos of them performing and read the courageous and heartfelt words of their songs.