Dhondup Wangchen Freedom Fund
On 28 December 2009, filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen was sentenced to six years imprisonment for "subversion", following a secret trial in Xining. Dhondup Wangchen had been detained shortly after completing filming for a documentary called “Leaving Fear Behind”. His film portrays the actual living conditions in occupied Tibet and features interviews with Tibetans talking about the situation in Tibet. It was shot secretly and smuggled out of the country in March, 2008, just days before mass demonstrations erupted around the anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day.
In Dhondup Wangchen’s own words: “At a time of great difficulty and a feeling of helplessness, [the idea of our film is to] get some meaningful response and results. It is very difficult [for Tibetans] to go to Beijing and speak out there. So that is why we decided to show the real feelings of Tibetans inside Tibet through this film.” His family believes he has been tortured while imprisoned, and that he has contracted Hepatitis B and that his health is failing.
His wife, Lhamo Tso, has been living under hard conditions since she escaped to India and has had to support not only her four children, but also the parents of her husband. She is now living in the United States. Lhamo Tso is in San Francisco to build awareness of the case of her husband, and to campaign for his release. She needs your help to free her husband, support their 4 children and Dhondup’s parents.
Watch "LEAVING FEAR BEHIND"
His Holiness Dalai Lama with members of Bay Area Friends of Tibet September 2003
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The mission of BAFoT is to study, promote interest in, and actively preserve Tibetan culture in all its aspects; to educate the general public in matters pertaining to Tibet and the Tibetan people; and to provide assistance to Tibetans.
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- Leader Nancy Pelosi's speech on March 10, 2015
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- Dhondup Wangchen released, thanks supporters
- Statement of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery on the Panchen Lama's 25th Birthday
- Rep. Pelosi's statement on March 10
- Dhondup Wangchen Campaign: "Unchain The Truth"
- Appeal for help for Phuntsokling Tibetan Settlement in Odisha
- Committee to Project Journalists concerned about Dhondup Wangchen
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