Mr. Li Zhaoxing
C/o Embassy of People's Republic of China
2300 Connecticut Avenue
Washington, DC 20008



Your Excellency,

I am writing to you to express my deep concern for Gyaltsen Drolkar and Gyaltsen Choezom, two Tibetan nuns who were arrested and imprisoned in 1990 for taking part in peaceful pro-independence demonstrations. While in prison, they recorded pro-independence songs and messages to their families on a crude tape recorder. When the tape was distributed throughout Tibet, Gyaltsen Drolkar, Gyaltsen Choezom and the other nuns were charged with "spreading counter-revolutionary propaganda" and given additional eight and five year sentences in 1993.

I am extremely disturbed and outraged that while in prison, Gyaltsen Drolkar and Gyaltsen Choezom have been treated poorly, tortured, and possibly raped. I have become further concerned for their safety after hearing reports that the People's Liberation Army opened fire on prisoners who were peacefully demonstrating inside Drapchi Prison in early May. Following the violent suppression of these demonstrations, many prisoners have been severely beaten and are believed to face continuing ill-treatment. I have heard reports that Gyaltsen Drolkar is in the hospital as a result of severe beatings.

I must demand the immediate and unconditional releases of Gyaltsen Drolkar, Gyaltsen Choezom and the 12 other nuns currently imprisoned in Drapchi Prison in Lhasa. They are all prisoners of conscience, imprisoned solely for the peaceful expression of their beliefs. Their arrest, imprisonment and ill-treatment are blatant violations of articles 5, 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I am also requesting an immediate investigation into the violent suppression following the May 1st and 4th Drapchi demonstrations, and information regarding Gyaltsen Drolkar's current condition.

I thank you for your willingness to listen to my concerns, and I urge you to realize that the world is watching.

Sincerely,