Tibetan singer sentenced to 2 yrs’ imprisonment

Around 20 March 2012, a Tibetan singer was sentenced to two years imprisonment for singing songs calling for Tibetan unity and freedom by the Nangchen(Chinese: Nangqian) County court inYulshul (Chinese: Yushu) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province.

Ugyen Tenzin, 25, was recently detained in February after releasing an album with songs of eulogy to the Dalai Lama, Karmapa and Lobsang Sangay, the Kalon Tripa of exile Tibetan administration. Ugyen was charged with singing political songs.

In 2008, Ugyen Tenzin was detained for a year for protesting against Chinese mining operations in Nangchen County, according to sources. He also encouraged the local Tibetans to protect the environment and stop mining in the area.

Ugyen Tenzin’s family was not allowed to visit him. Details of his whereabouts and condition are not immediately known. The exact charges made against him are also unclear.

The local authorities are now searching for the lyricist of Ugyen’s songs.

In another instance, two Tibetans were sentenced for raising slogans on 8 March 2012.  The two, identified as Woegoe and Yonten Phuntsok, were sentenced to three years and two years term respectively by the local court of Nangchen County.