Tibetan writer arrested

Reporters Without Borders condemns the arrest of Tibetan writer Kunga Tseyang on 17 March, as well as the re-arrest of Jigmey Gyatso, a monk who helped Dhondup Wangchen made “Leaving fear behind,” a 2008 documentary with interviews with more than 100 Tibetans including monks and elderly people. “Kunga Tseyang's arrest appears to be directly related to articles he wrote recently and is yet another example of the way the Chinese authorities are cracking down on Tibetan writers and journalists,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We urge the Chinese government to free him without delay.” Aged 20, Tseyang is based in Lungkar monastery in Golok county (in eastern Tibet). He also studied at Labdrang Tashi Kyil monastery and the Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies. He has written many articles about Buddhism and Tibetan art and culture. His most widely read articles include “Who is the real separatist”, “Who stand up us”, “China must apologize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama” and “Tibetans, we must be aware of AIDS.” Tseyang is also an environmental activist and helps the Yutse Environment Department as a photographer. The authorities have not said why he has been arrested or where he is being held.