By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, July 17: Two Tibetans have been imprisoned in Eastern Tibet after composing and singing a song praising the Dalai Lama, and another for posting the song on her social media. Tibetan lyricist Khado Tsetan and singer Tsegao were arrested in early July in the village of Gonshu Hongor in Zeku County. An identified girl from the same region was also arrested for sharing the song, sources said.
Khado and Tsego are believed to be in their mid to late twenties. The singer and composer duo was charged with alleged subversion of state law and state security crimes. Tibet Watch confirmed that Tibetan lyricist Khado has been sentenced for 7 years in prison and Tsegao for 3 years.
According to ICT, Khadro’s seven-year prison term was a cumulative sentence for subversion for which the court handed down a five-year imprisonment term, and another two years for leaking state secrets.
Khado Tsering had previously been detained and imprisoned for two years in late 2012. He was arrested due to his involvement in the Tibetan student protests in 2010 for Tibetan language rights in Rebgong. He was constantly subjected to surveillance and monitored by Chinese authorities for four years. Khado was also prevented from continuing his studies.
Chinese authorities have cracked down on Tibetans asserting native identity in the form of their language and culture. Reverence to the exiled Tibetan leader is seen as a criminal offence although persecuted under blanket charges such as “inciting separatism” over the years.
