Dhondup Wangchen, the Tibetan filmmaker who made the remarkable film, Leaving Fear Behind, has been charged with "inciting separatism," and his trial could take place at any time.

Dhondup Wangchen's lawyers have been barred from representing him, casting serious doubt over the fairness of his trial. He has been subject to torture while in detention and is in very poor health.

Raise Dhondup Wangchen Case

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Tell US President Barack Obama to Secure Dhondup Wangchen's release:

Subject:

Your Letter:

I am writing to urge you to use your visit to China to put pressure on the Chinese leadership about Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan film-maker, arrested in 2008 for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression.

Dhondup Wangchen [Chinese: Dunzhu Wangqin] was detained in Tibet on 26 March 2008 for filming interviews with ordinary Tibetans about their views on the Olympic Games, the Dalai Lama and Chinese government policies in Tibet.  Official sources state that he was formally arrested in July 2008 under suspicion of  "inciting separatism" and espionage and then charged in June 2009.

It is now believed that Dhondup Wangchen's trial may have started. His family recently received a letter from him, which had been smuggled out of his prison. A key part of the letter reads, “My trial has started. There is no good news I can share with you. It is unclear what the sentence will be." If convicted, Dhondup Wangchen may face a lengthy sentence.

Despite multiple international appeals, China has denied independent observation at the trial. Additionally, Dhondup has been denied access to the lawyer appointed by his family, raising further concerns about proper due process.

Your visit to China comes at a crucial time, giving you opportunity to exert much needed pressure on the Chinese leadership. Therefore, I call upon you to:

- seek the immediately release of Dhondup Wangchen, whose only "crime" was to peacefully exercise his right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

- obtain full information pertaining to Dhondup Wangchen's case, including the charges he faces and the status of his trial.

- exact permission for observers to attend his trial to ensure that Dhondup Wangchen receives a fair and open trial as is guaranteed under China's constitution, and ensure that he is allowed legal counsel of his own choosing.

President Barack Obama

Fax:(202) 456-2461