Tibetan monk Rinchen Tsultrim was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment in a secret trial for “inciting secession” after expressing political views on his WeChat account.
Held incommunicado since August 1, 2019, his family members only learned of the trial, his crime and whereabouts through a response from the Chinese authorities to the United Nations human rights experts in August 2021.
According to international human rights law and standards, no one should be imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression. Without access to family and legal representation, there are grave concerns for Rinchen Tsultrim’s condition and wellbeing.
