Berlin, 14th May 2014. Tibet Initiative Germany e.V. (TID) has collected 10.000 signatures demanding the release of political prisoners in Tibet.

TID had advocated for the support of filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen, who is scheduled to be released from prison on June 5th, six years after imprisonment. Additionally, the 10.000 signatories also request the release of Runggye Adak and the Aids-activist Wangdu, who had received a life sentence in 2008.

"Arbitrary arrests are a daily routine in Tibet. We demand the release of all political prisoners in Tibet. The Chinese government tries to systematically silence all critical voices within Tibet. Many political prisoners are being physically abused in a way that leads to their death", said Anna Momburg-Vanderpool, TID-Campaigner.

The TID advocates for the release of political prisoners in Tibet since 1989. Currently there are at least 850 documented political prisoners in Tibet, hundreds more are believed to be missing. Possessing a picture of the Dalai Lama or participating in a demonstration can already lead to imprisonment.

Dharamshala, 3 may: - Ms Kalon Dolma Gyari of the Department of Home of Central Tibetan Administration is currently on an official visit to Tibetan settlements in Ravangla and Kalimpong.

On her arrival at Ravangla Tibetan settlement, Sikkim, Kalon Dolma Gyari met the local officials of the state including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to discuss issues concerning settlement land, ration cards and other basic amenities.
She also held a public meeting for the community, assuring them that work towards their grievances is ongoing.

Following her visit to Ravangla, Kalon Dolma Gyari visited Kalimpong a Tibetan settlement in West Bengal. Here, she visited a home for the elderly and spoke with those residing there. The home was built with financial aid from Friends of Tibet based in Ottawa, Canada.

Dharamshala, 6 May: - Tethong Tenzin Wangpo has sworn-in as a member of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Europe at a brief swearing-in ceremony.

Wangpo was assigned as a member of parliament as per article 57 (2) of the Tibetan Charter, following Ms. Chungdak Koren's resignation on health grounds. The oath of office was administered by Speaker Penpa Tsering of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, held at the Parliament House.

Tethong Tenzin Wangpo is a Tibetan activist based in Switzerland. He has a master's degree in History and Law, as well as, Economic and Social History from the University of Zurich. He has worked for various organisations across Switzerland including acting as senior consultant for Campaign forum Ltds; as well as being a party secretary and spokesperson for the Green Party of Canton, Zürich.

Dharamshala, 3 May: The eighth session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile will convene for 11 days from 12 – 24 September 2014 as per article 40 of the Charter of Central Tibetan Administration, announced the parliamentary secretariat. Tibetan members of Parliament have been requested to register their attendance on 11 September at the Parliamentary secretariat, it said.

Dharamshala, 3 May: The eighth session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile will convene for 11 days from 12 – 24 September 2014 as per article 40 of the Charter of Central Tibetan Administration, announced the parliamentary secretariat. Tibetan members of Parliament have been requested to register their attendance on 11 September at the Parliamentary secretariat, it said.

Dharamshala, 2 may: - The 10th college orientation for the class of 12 graduate students is currently underway in Dharamshala. The day-long programme includes career guidance talks by Tibetan professionals from diverse fields; followed by an interactive session with Q&A's regarding their career prospects.

Mr Ngodup Tsering, from the Secretary of Department of Education inaugurated the orientation programme which included various speakers, amongst them were, Mr Kalsang Wangdu, curriculum and teacher Development Officer at TCV, Dr Tsering Yangkey, Monitoring and Evaluation Director, Tibet Fund, Mr Tenzin Namgyal, a Tibetan advocate, Mr Dawa, a reporter with the Voice of Tibet radio service and Mr Sherap Tharchin, deputy project director at Tibet Fund.

Mrs Chemi Tseyang, Head of Admission and Scholarship Section of the Education Department, explained the various scholarship schemes offered by the Education Department to students. The orientation also included an experience sharing session where two current college students will share their experiences of life on campus with the freshers.

Dharamshala: - The Election Commission (EC) of the Central Tibetan Administration on April 21 announced the short-listed candidates for the final round of by-election, to be held for a member of Parliament from Domey constituency. The preliminary election was held on 17th February.

According to the official media "Tibet Net", the short-listed candidates are Tashi Dhondup, a native of Golog Serta, currently residing in Nepal; Tsayang Gyatso of Golog, currently residing in Dharamshala; and Karma Gelek of Jhakyung, currently residing in Bandara Tibetan settlement.

Mr. Lukar Jam, who has got the second highest number of votes during the preliminary election has withdrawn his candidature from the by-election.

The final round of election will be held on 9 June. The results of the by-election will be declared on 20 June.

The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, a member of Tibetan Parliament from Domey.

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