International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Jamyang Kyi, prominent Tibetan singer, songwriter, Internet writer, and feminist activist, who has reportedly been held without charge since April 1, 2008. PEN fears that Kyi may be held for her writing and activism and, if so, calls for her immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.

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PEN announces detention of Jamyang Kyi
We Are Ready for Freedom of Expression

Background Information

Jamyang Kyi, who is also a TV producer, was reportedly escorted from her office at Qinghai TV, in Qinghai Province, in the northwest of the country, on April 1, 2008, and continues to be held without charge. There are reports that police confiscated her personal computer and her contact lists after searching her home. Her husband says that he was last able to contact her on April 7. Without revealing its source, Radio Free Asia reported that the police in Xining, the capital of Qinghai, had formally arrested Kyi, but charges were not disclosed.

Jamyang Kyi, 42, is said to be highly regarded among Tibetans for her performance and activism. She toured the United States in 2006, and has released four successful albums that mix modern "pop" and traditional Tibetan music. She has published articles on women’s rights in Tibet. Her blog, which is very popular among young Tibetans, has not been updated for some months.

Kyi has worked as a producer in the Tibetan-language section of state-run Qinghai TV for 20 years. This is thought to be the first time that she has suffered persecution by the authorities.

The arrest of Jamyang Kyi occurs amid the crackdown on antigovernment protestors in the Tibet Autonomous Region and neighboring provinces. There are accounts of arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force in breaking up the demonstrators.

Write A Letter

  • expressing serious concern at the arrest of Tibetan writer Jamyang Kyi and seeking details of the charges against her;
  • calling for her immediate and unconditional release if she is held in violation of her right to freedom of expression, in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.

Send Your Letter To

President of the People’s Republic of China
His Excellency Hu Jintao
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China

Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Party Committee
Zhang Qingli
Zhonggong Xizang Zizhiqu Weiyuanhui
Lhasashi, Xizang Zizhiqu
People's Republic of China

Please note that there are no fax numbers for the Chinese authorities. PEN recommends that you copy your appeal to the Chinese embassy in your country, asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments.

Please contact PEN if sending appeals after May 13, 2008: ftw [at] pen.org