Last week, the International PEN called for international protests in support of Jamyang Kyi, a prominent Tibetan singer and a song-writer, internet writer and feminist activist, who has reportedly been held without charges by Chinese authorities since 1 April 2008.

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN fears that Jamyang Kyi may be held for her writings and activism, and if so, calls for her immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.

Below you find the letter which Freemuse has sent by post and fax to his Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Party Committee Zhang Qingli, as well as to the Embassies of P. R. of China in Denmark and Sweden.

Freemuse encourages you to send letters of protest and demands of the release of Jamyang Kyi to:

His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
People's Republic of China

CC: Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Party Committee
Zhang Qingli
Zhonggong Xizang Zizhiqu Weiyuanhui
Lhasashi, Xizang Zizhiqu
People's Republic of China

Please send a copy of your appeal to the diplomatic representative for China in your country if possible. Note that there are no fax numbers for the Chinese authorities. 

Freemuse also recommends that you send a copy of your appeal to the Chinese embassy in your country asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments.

Copenhagen, 28 April 2008

Excellencies,

We are writing to express our very serious concern over the arrest of Mrs. Jamyang Kyi, one of your countries renowned musical artists as well as tv producer for the Qinghai TV.

According to our information, Mrs. Jamyang Kyi was arrested and detained by the authorities in the Qinghai Province on 1 April 2008 and to this day she has been held without charges.

Freemuse is an international organisation advocating freedom of expression for musicians and composers. We wish to remind your government of the principles of Article 19 and Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

We urge your government to immediately release Mrs. Jamyang Kyi.


Yours sincerely,

Marie Korpe
Executive Director