Workers, Human Rights and
the Environment vs. Permanent
Normal Trade Relations
BACKGROUND | WORKERS | HUMAN RIGHTS | ENVIRONMENT | NGAWANG | DOCUMENTS

Ngawang Choephel

Ngawang Choephel, a Fulbright Scholar and ethnomusicologist, has been detained in a Tibetan prison since September 15, 1995.

Ngawang, a former Middlebury College student, is one of many people in China facing long prison sentences for questionable charges. His “crime” was to use a video camera to record dance in his native Tibet.

The Chinese government has, to date, made no statement on Mr. Choephel's whereabouts or condition. The only official information comes from a response to Congressman Sanders' inquiries shortly after his imprisonment became public. It is believed that Ngawang is currently confined to Powo Tramo Prison in Tibet in order to serve an 18-year prison term for "espionage". Since his detainment, the Chinese government has prohibited his family from visiting him.

Congressman Sanders has long supported efforts to pressure China's repressive regime into improving its human rights policies through yearly debated on China's trade status.

For more information about efforts to free Ngawang, please see Bernie's documents below:



CONGRESSMAN BERNARD SANDERS