CHINA/TIBET: Tibetan internet writer Jamyang Kyi detained without charges

23 April 2008

RAN 23/08

The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Jamyang Kyi, prominent Tibetan singer and a song-writer, internet writer and feminist activist, who has reportedly been held without charge since 1 April 2008. The WiPC fears that 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.According to the WiPC's information, Jamyang Kyi, who is also a TV producer, was reportedly escorted from her office at Qinghai TV, in Qinghai Province, north-west of the country, on 1 April 2008, and continues to be held without charge. There are reports that police confiscated her personal computer and her contact lists after searching her home. Her husband says that he was last able to contact her on 7 April. Radio Free Asia, without revealing its source, reported that the police in Xining, the capital of Qinghai, had formally arrested Kyi, but that the charges were not disclosed.

Jamyang Kyi, aged forty-two, is said to be highly regarded amongst Tibetans for her performing and activism. She toured the United States in 2006, and has released four successful albums which mix modern ‘pop' and traditional Tibetan music. She has published articles on women's rights in Tibet. Her blog, which is apparently very popular among young Tibetans, has not been updated for some months. It can be found in Chinese following this link http://www.tibetabc.cn/user1/jamyangkyi/

Kyi has worked as a producer in the Tibetan-language section of state-run Qinghai TV for twenty years. This is thought to be the first time that she has suffered persecution by the authorities.

The arrest of Jamyang Kyi occurs amidst the crackdown on anti-government protestors in the Tibet Autonomous Region and neighbouring provinces. There are accounts of arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force in breaking up the demonstrators.