27 June 2008
US tells Nepal to release Tibetans
(Bloomberg; HRW) Nepali authorities must free three Tibetans detained without charge and treat protesters humanely, the US State Department said. The US is “deeply concerned” by the arrests of Kelsang Chung, Ngawang Sangmo and Tashi Dolma, deputy spokesman Tom Casey said in a statement, and called for their immediate and unconditional release. Police in Kathmandu have detained and released hundreds of Tibetan exiles protesting outside the Chinese Embassy since unrest erupted in Tibet in March 2008, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), and Casey criticised the Nepali authorities for “the ongoing harsh treatment of peaceful protesters”. “We urge Nepal to ensure the humane treatment of peaceful protesters and to adhere to its international human rights obligations”, said Casey, adding the US respects “Nepal's national security concerns and the importance of protecting diplomatic premises”.