In this update: Dhondup Wangchen trial starts in secrecy, China confirms executions, ATC briefs politicians ahead of Tibet visit, and a new representative for the Dalai Lama in Canberra. View update online.

Seven Australian MPs and Senators to Visit Tibet
The first official Australian parliamentary delegation to visit Tibet since 1991 will fly into Lhasa tomorrow. ATC met one-on-one with five of the seven delegates before their departure to discuss in detail what to expect in Lhasa and how to ensure the visit brings benefits for Tibet. Read more in our ‘tibet-politik’ blog

Related news: Federal MPs in first visit to Tibet in 18 years


Australia Welcomes New Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
This week Australia’s Tibetans and Tibet supporters bode a very fond farewell to Mr. Tenzin Atisha, Australian Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama since 2003, and welcomed his successor Mr. Sonam Dagpo. During a week-long handover the representatives met with several members of the Federal Parliament, with Tibetan communities in Melbourne and Sydney, with Chinese democracy activists in Sydney and representatives of many of Australia’s Tibet support groups. A detailed report can be found at Tibet.net


Campaign Update: Dhondup Wangchen
The international campaign for the release of Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen has been stepped up ahead of President Obama’s arrival in China later this month and following the revelation that his trial has now begun. The revelation came in a letter that Dhondup Wangchen managed to sneak from prison. Last week the New York Times reported on his story, including this latest development.

TAKE ACTION: Join ICT in sending a message to Barrack Obama


Campaign Update: Death Sentences
Last month we reported that four Tibetans had been executed in Lhasa in connection with last year’s protests. Chinese authorities have since confirmed the execution of two Tibetans - Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak - but denied the reports that two further Tibetans - Penkyi and a further unnamed individual - have also been executed.

ATC has written to the Foreign Minister requesting immediate enquiries be made as to the status and whereabouts of Penkyi, Tenzin Phuntsok and Kangtsuk, all known to have been handed suspended death sentences last April. We have also requested the Australian Government call on China to halt the execution of any more Tibetans and commute all suspended death sentences.


Nobel Peace Prize Breakfast - Second Speaker Confirmed
As well as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, this event will feature a speech by 2009 NAIDOC Person of the Year Professor Larissa Behrendt who will discuss poverty within a human rights framework. Call (02) 9283 3466 or visit www.atc.org.au/peace-through-justice for tickets and more information


eye on tibet
- Federal MPs in First Visit to Tibet in 18 Years
- Dalai Lama Accuses China of Misleading World About Tibet
- US Government Finds China Violates Religious Freedom in Tibet
- “Like Gold That Fears No Fire”: New Writing from Tibet