On August 1, 2007, Runggye Adak, a Tibetan nomad from eastern Tibet took to the stage at the popular Lithang Horse Racing Festival, publicly denounced Chinese policies in Tibet and called for the return of the Dalai Lama. He is currently serving an 8-year sentence in Chinese prison for exercising his basic right to free speech.

SFT's Executive Director stated on the anniversary of Runggye Adak's arrest:

“There is a growing movement inside Tibet of Tibetans – like Runggye Adak – defying China’s restrictions and boldly asserting their identity and beliefs. The Chinese government can arrest and imprison individuals, but they cannot silence Tibetans’ voices. By imprisoning Runggye Adak, Beijing has ironically helped to amplify his message for Tibet to the world and we call on the international community and our government leaders to actively press China for his release," said Tenzin Dorjee, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet. Read the full release.

Please take action to help secure the release of Runggye Adak.

1. Send an urgent appeal letter to Sichuan Party Secretary, Liu Qibao, calling for the immediate release of Runggye Adak and the three other Tibetans sentenced in conjunction with his case.
2. Share the video clip and urge others to join the campaign.Three years after his arrest, SFT along with a coalition of other Tibet advocacy groups, have released a short video clip of his powerful speech.

   Free Runggye Adak from ITSN on Vimeo. Also watch the moving video appeal by Runngye Adak's son for the release of his father.
   

3. Change your facebook profile picture and help raise awareness of Runggye Adak's continued imprisonment by China. Download more photos (click on the image to enlarge):




4. Send a postcard to the Chinese government calling for Runggye Adak's release.  Free Runggye Adak Postcard (Front). Free Runggye Adak Postcard (Back).
   
   
5. Call the Chinese government in Sichuan to show that people worldwide are following this case closely and advocating of Runggye Adak's release:
   Foreign Affairs Office: +8628 84356784/ 6789
   People's Court: +8628 86743056
   (Please note: China is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Tibet)

Runggye Adak's words covey a strong allegiance to the Dalai Lama, a deep sadness for the plight of his people, and an urgency for Tibetans to be united in their struggle. Seven months after his protest, Tibetans across Tibet rose up, staging the most widespread protests against Chinese rule in over five decades. The demands of many of the Tibetans who took the streets in March 2008 echoed those so boldly expressed by Runggye Adak in his solo protest.

*Note: The brief clip of Runggye Adak's speech was shot by a western film-maker, who was unaware until recently of the significance of the footage. Unfortunately, he was not able to provide any further footage.