13. Aug 2010
Confirmation of life sentence for Dorje Tashi
(AFP; TCHRD) The India-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) told AFP it has obtained confirmation that the Chinese authorities have sentenced wealthy Tibetan businessman Dorje Tashi to life in prison for allegedly funding exile groups. The sentence was handed on 26 June 2010. Urgen Tenzin, director of TCHRD, said, "There has been no official announcement from the Chinese side which is unusual. We are trying to get more information". Dorje Tashi is the operator of the Yak Hotel, one of the most famous hotel in Lhasa. He met Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao in 2005, two years after joining the ruling Communist Party. He was arrested in 2008.