By Kalsang Rinchen
Dharamsala, October 15 – A Tibetan writer and intellectual jailed in April on charges of “instigating to split the motherland” –- a very common allegation faced by Tibetans for expression of anti government sentiments through writings or protests – has been released on “bail pending trial” yesterday, Beijing based Tibetan writer Woser said on her blog.
Tagyal who writes under penname “Shogdung” was arrested on April 23 this year in Xining. Tagyal was picked up from his workplace Qinghai Nationalities Publishing House in Xining and taken to his house which the police searched and confiscated 2 computers.
Talking to the Voice of Tibet radio over the phone, Woser said Tagyal’s lawyer Li Fanping had informed her of the bailout. “I was told by his lawyer that he (Tagyal) is in good health with his family now,” Woser said.
The Beijing based Tibetan writer and blogger said she does not know the exact reasons why Tagyal was released on bail after 6 months but agreed that the popularity of Tagyal’s case in the international media might have been one of the factors.
Meanwhile, Jampal Monlam of the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy said the “bail pending trial” does not give him immunity to future arrest. Jampal told the VOT that the longest period that “bail pending trial” can last is a year.
However, the exact period of Tagyal’s “bail pending trial” is not known. Monlam said that under the Chinese law the police can either arrest him again or give him the document of release at the end of his “bail pending trial” depending on the findings of the investigation during the bail period.
Sources told phayul in April that Tagyal’s detention might be linked to an open letter of condolence to the victims of Kyegudo Earthquake that he signed along with other Tibetan intellectuals in Xining. The letter openly criticized the Chinese government’s handling of the earthquake relief efforts. Other signatories of this open letter include well-known Tibetan writer and singer Jamyang Kyi and other members of the group known as the “New School of Thought.”
Shogdung has authored several books including the recent publication gnam sa go ‘byed (Opening of Earth and Sky) about the nationwide protests against the Chinese government in 2008.
Three days after the earthquake in Kyegudo (Yushu), Shogdung had wanted to travel to Yushu (Kyegudo) to help in the rescue and relief works but was denied permission.
Until his arrest, he was helping the relief efforts in Xining and offering comfort and solace to survivors who had been moved to hospitals in Xining.
