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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
China detained activist-singer, says Tibetan exile govt
A young Tibetan singer and activist has been detained by Chinese authorities, the India-based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said. Tzukte, popularly known as Asang, was taken into custody sometime in early July after he sang a song eulogising Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, the CTA said in a statement Saturday (July 27, 2025). The CTA, which functions as a government-in-exile but is not officially recognised by any country, said the arrest was "part of Beijing's broader campaign to suppress Tibetan voices, specially Tibetan artists and writers". China considers Tibet an inalienable part of its territory and has ruled the region with an iron fist since its troops crushed an uprising for autonomy in 1959. Chinese authorities did not respond to a request for comment. "His detention, without charge or information on his whereabouts, violates international human rights norms and underscores China's ongoing assault on freedom of expression, cultural rights, and religious belief in Tibet," the CTA said. Asang, who is in his twenties, is a student of Gebe, a prominent Tibetan singer supporting the Tibetan cause through his music. Earlier this year, Asang reportedly appeared in public in the Ngawa region of Sichuan province with the word "Tibet" written on his forehead — a gesture that drew widespread praise online but also intensified scrutiny from officials. Rights activists have regularly voiced alarm at Beijing's alleged efforts to erase cultural and religious identity in Tibet.
Japan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Times
China detained activist-singer, says Tibetan exile government
A young Tibetan singer and activist has been detained by Chinese authorities, the India-based Central Tibetan Administration said. Tzukte, popularly known as Asang, was taken into custody sometime in early July after he sang a song eulogizing Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, the CTA said in a statement Saturday. The CTA, which functions as a government-in-exile but is not officially recognized by any country, said the arrest was "part of Beijing's broader campaign to suppress Tibetan voices, specially Tibetan artists and writers". China considers Tibet an inalienable part of its territory and has ruled the region with an iron fist since its troops crushed an uprising for autonomy in 1959. Chinese authorities did not respond to a request for comment. "His detention, without charge or information on his whereabouts, violates international human rights norms and underscores China's ongoing assault on freedom of expression, cultural rights, and religious belief in Tibet," the CTA said. Asang, who is in his twenties, is a student of Gebe, a prominent Tibetan singer supporting the Tibetan cause through his music. Earlier this year, Asang reportedly appeared in public in the Ngawa region of Sichuan province with the word "Tibet" written on his forehead — a gesture that drew widespread praise online but also intensified scrutiny from officials. Rights activists have regularly voiced alarm at Beijing's alleged efforts to erase cultural and religious identity in Tibet.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Tibetan singer detained by China for Dalai Lama tribute song
DHARAMSALA: A Tibetan singer and activist has been detained by Chinese authorities, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The India-based exile government reported that Tzukte, known as Asang, was arrested in early July after performing a song honouring the Dalai Lama. The CTA, which operates as a government-in-exile without international recognition, condemned the arrest as part of China's 'broader campaign to suppress Tibetan voices, especially artists and writers.' China maintains strict control over Tibet, which it considers an inseparable part of its territory. Asang, a student of the well-known Tibetan singer Gebe, had previously drawn attention for publicly displaying the word 'Tibet' on his forehead in Sichuan province. The act gained online support but also increased official scrutiny. 'His detention, without charge or information on his whereabouts, violates international human rights norms and underscores China's ongoing assault on freedom of expression, cultural rights, and religious belief in Tibet,' the CTA stated. Chinese authorities have not commented on the arrest. Rights groups have long criticised Beijing's policies in Tibet, accusing it of erasing cultural and religious identity. – AFP
