TIBET UPDATE

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The Tibet Update eNewsletter is a bimonthly summary of news and governmental actions related to Tibet. Past issues in PDF format are located at http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-weekly-updates/.

INSIDE TIBET:

China sentences prominent Tibetan environmentalist, Karma Samdrup to 15 years in prison

Karma Samdup, a prominent businessman and environmentalist once praised by Chinese state media as a model philanthropist, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Accused of dealing in looted antiquities related to an incident dating to 1998 that had been dropped, the sentencing comes amid increased repression of Tibetan intellectuals in recent months in what amounts to the broadest suppression of Tibetan culture and expression in years. The case has generated wide coverage in the media:

Tibetan Environmentalist receives 15 yr sentence - New York Times
"The trial of the Tibetan, Karma Samdrup, 42, was widely viewed as an effort to punish him for his outspoken defense of his two brothers, both of whom had publicly berated a local police chief who hunted endangered species in a Tibetan nature preserve."

China jails environmentalist Karma Samdrup - BBC
"His [Karma Samdrup] lawyer, Pu Zhiqiang, said the evidence had been faked and no proper translator had been provided at the trial."

Tibet activist sentenced to 15 years in Prison - AP
"The charges against Karma Samdrup - named philanthropist of the year in 2006 by state broadcaster CCTV- date back to 1998 but were not pursued until this year."

In addition, Karma Samdrup's wife, Dolkar Tso, has written two powerful blog posts, detailing her account of the trial and proceedings, and she gives thanks to the two Chinese lawyers representing Karma Samdrup:

"Praying" An account of June 22, 2010
Thank You to Lawyer Pu, Lawyer Li, So I Won't Become Yang Jia

Prior to the sentencing, interest in the case was high. Here is a sampling of the press coverage:

China starts trial against Tibet environmentalist - AP
"A Tibetan environmentalist once praised by Chinese state media as a model philanthropist went on trial Tuesday. 'If not for his voice, I would not have recognized him,' wife Zhenga Cuomo [Tibetan: Dolkar Tsomo] told The Associated Press."

Tibetan Activist on Trial - RFA
"A prominent Tibetan goes on trial, 12 years after a court threw out charges against him. Pu, the lawyer, said Karma Samdrup was tortured in 1998 and again this year."

China now pressuring Tibetans outside of politics - AP
"Karma Samdup was the kind of Tibetan the Chinese Government liked. ... but next week he'll stand trial on what rights groups say is a trumped-up charge of grave-robbing amid the