The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) condemns in strongest terms the death sentences passed by the Lhasa court. This sentencing clearly highlights the current level of repression in Tibet where state agencies freely abuse the human rights of the Tibetan people with impunity. In this latest sentencing by the Lhasa court, the TCHRD sees a shivering message of intimidation being passed to the Tibetans who dare to show their dissent with the state.

The latest verdict passed by the Lhasa court is the harshest till date since spring 2008 uprising in Tibet. Around 230 Tibetans have so far received varying prison terms between six months to life term for their participation in the spring protest last year. The sentencing of Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak to death sentence, Tenzin Phuntsok and Kangtsuk to death sentence with two years reprieve and Dawa Sangpo to life imprisonment term is highly arbitrary and summary in nature which does not meet the minimal international judicial standards.

The TCHRD urges the international community to condemn the Chinese authorities for the gross human rights violations being enacted upon the Tibetan plateau. The international community must ensure the end of the culture of impunity and repressive states like China should be brought to justice.