Sanctuary for Film-makers

By Edward Janich / May 25, 2014;

Dhondup Wangchen

Tibetan activist and film maker Dhondup Wangchen is due to be released from prison on June 5, and his leading co-director, missing monk Golog Jigme Gyatso, has come out of hiding in Dharamshala.

The pair were arrested by Chinese authorities in 2008 following the release of their documentary film “Leaving Fear Behind”. The film featured testimonials from native Tibetans within Tibet and China, expressing their views on Chinese oppression and affirming their allegiance to the Dalai Lama. The New York Times has described the documentary as “an unadorned indictment of the Chinese government”.

Wangchen was sentenced to six years of forced labour on the charge of “subversion” on December 28, 2009, after 20 months unofficial detention. Wangchen was refused access to his lawyer following his initial hearing, leaving him unable to appeal against his verdict. He was later moved to Xichuan Labour Camp in Qinghai Province, a camp known for harsh treatment of detainees. He has since contracted Hepatitis B.

Golog Jigme Gyatso in Dharamshala
Photo: Filming for Tibet

Golog Jigme Gyatso, a senior Tibetan monk, was held for seven months for his role in the production, and was reportedly tortured and beaten by Chinese authorities. Facing further harassment upon his release, Gyatso went in to hiding in September 2012. China issued a warrant for his arrest on suspicion of “murder” later that year. The monk re-surfaced on May 18 in Dharamshala, causing much celebration to the Tibetan community. He is currently staying at the Reception Centre for Tibetan refugees, where he awaits a forthcoming press appearance on May 28.

Dhondup Wangchen’s wife and family moved to Dharamshala ahead of the film’s premiere, fearing the response of the Chinese government. They are now living in the United States, where they have been pleading for Wangchen’s freedom. Several international human rights groups, including Amnesty International, joined them in their campaign, claiming Wangchen was being denie

d necessary medical treatment.

As his sentence nears its end, they continue to advocate for his healthy and timely release while the exile Tibetan community is counting down the days and publicising his story.

(Note: The film-makers were aided in their work by Wangchen’s cousin, Gyaljong Tsering, who edited the footage with the help of his team in Switzerland.)