The authorities reportedly tried to arrest Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche at least twice before, including in 1998 when he tried to establish monasteries without official approval. He also organized a popular local protest against deforestation in the area by a local timber company.
"There are serious concerns that Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche may have been wrongly accused of involvement in the bombings because of his peaceful religious and community activities," Amnesty International said.
"The authorities should conduct an immediate review of the case and conduct a re-trial in line with international fair trial standards. If not, Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche should be released unconditionally."
At least ten other people were reportedly detained in connection with the case. Several were apparently beaten or otherwise tortured and ill-treated in police custody, although it is not known whether their testimonies were used to convict Lobsang Dhondup or Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche. Two young monks who were reportedly interrogated and beaten by the police in connection with the case have not been seen since 8 April 2002. There are fears that they may have "disappeared".
"We are urging the Chinese authorities to clarify the names and whereabouts of all those detained in connection with this case and carry out an immediate and impartial investigation into all allegations of torture or ill-treatment," Amnesty International said.
"There are serious concerns that Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche may have been wrongly accused of involvement in the bombings because of his peaceful religious and community activities," Amnesty International said.
"The authorities should conduct an immediate review of the case and conduct a re-trial in line with international fair trial standards. If not, Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche should be released unconditionally."
At least ten other people were reportedly detained in connection with the case. Several were apparently beaten or otherwise tortured and ill-treated in police custody, although it is not known whether their testimonies were used to convict Lobsang Dhondup or Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche. Two young monks who were reportedly interrogated and beaten by the police in connection with the case have not been seen since 8 April 2002. There are fears that they may have "disappeared".
"We are urging the Chinese authorities to clarify the names and whereabouts of all those detained in connection with this case and carry out an immediate and impartial investigation into all allegations of torture or ill-treatment," Amnesty International said.