The Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen was released from prison in Xining, China, yesterday, having served a six year sentence for subversive activity. The charges related to his documentary, Leaving Fear Behind, which explored the feelings of ordinary Tibetan people about their country's relationship with the superpower. His assistant director, Jigme Gyatso, was also arrested but was released after seven months, during which time he claims to have been tortured.
"We are relieved that Dhondup Wangchen has been released, but Chinese authorities will never be able to return the six years they've already taken from him," said Joel Simon, CEO of the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CJP), which had campaigned for Wangchen's release. It noted that, despite his release, the filmmaker's rights will now be restricted. It is unlikely that he will be able to return to documentary making in the near future.
Wangchen's wife, Lhamo Tso, is currently living in exile in India with their four children. She has reported that her husband's health was badly damaged by years spent in a Tibetan hard labour camp, and alleges that he contracted Hepatitis B during the course of his imprisonment.
There are currently thought to be 31 journalists in prison in China on grounds relating to their work.
