10 Years for a Thought Crime
I grew up in the cradle of my nation. I saw my people live in a higher place in this world. But when I lay on the ground to watch the world, I cried. Those tears were a reasonable response to what was happening in the world. I grew up with the love of my parents. When my parents’ foreheads were creased with love, I cried. These were tears of emotion. Therefore I decided that I would do something for my nation and people like my parents.
I know that doing things, even contributing one’s life to the cause of a nation, raises very difficult questions. I would rather use my words to talk to other people than be an example to lead other people.
–Dolma Kyab
Dolma Kyab, a twenty-nine year old Tibetan from Amdo, is now serving ten years in prison for writing these words in an unpublished manuscript. Dolma was charged with espionage and now suffers in jail for his writings. No evidence or formal charges have ever been made available to the public. Yet another tragic case that shows that thoughts are crimes for Tibetans inside of Tibet.
5 Responsesto “10 Years for a Thought Crime”
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if you said that no evidence or formal charges has ever been made available to the public, how on earth do you know that he was charged just because of this? That’s very ignorant of you to say things like that without evidence as well.
ByStander – the evidence, if you read the article I provided you with before commenting, is that a letter was smuggled out of prison from Kyab explaining his case.
Also, deductive logic helps. No formal charges are in the public record on Dolma Kyab, yet he languishes in prison. Hence he was charged but not publicly.
Again if you look at the article linked to, Kyab says that he was charged with espionage, which is common when the Chinese Communist Party imprisons Tibetans for thought crimes.
The absence of charges in the public record are proof China’s malfeasance here, not doubt of it.
It is very sad that there are still countries where you can get such a high punishment for your honest opionion. I grew up behind the iron curtain myself and enjoy the freedom now. I can truly feel for the person in prison, but I can also admire his bravery.
How about making a movie about this along the lines of Little Buddha or Kundan? I saw both of those movies and understand the gist of the Tibet and China story. A mainstream film with a story would work better than a documentary.
It appears that Tibet wants to be a part of China so that their children can attened Bejing University and have a better life.