 Liu Xiaobo |
Liu Xiaobo, Chinese literary critic, writer, professor, activist and supporter of the Tibetan people, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China.” Currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for “inciting subversion of state power,” Liu Xiaobo is the first Chinese person to be awarded a Nobel Prize of any kind while residing in China.
Thousands of prisoners – Tibetan as well as Chinese – continue to be held behind bars, serving long sentences for speaking out and voicing their opinions. They include Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan film-maker; Migmar Dhondup, a Tibetan tour guide and writer; Runggye Adak, a Tibetan nomad; and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a Tibetan religious and community leader.
The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, which the Chinese government did not allow Liu or his family to attend, was held on December 10, which was also International Human Rights Day.
Please add your voice by sending a message to President Obama to urge him to stand up to press China for the release of all political prisoners detained for exercising their right to free expression, and to implement the political and human rights reforms that multitudes of Chinese and Tibetan advocates risk their lives to promote.