Thirteen of the 14 Tibetan activists who were arrested ahead of the Chinese President’s visit to the city were released from Central Prison, Puzhal, on Tuesday. According to prison sources, Tenzin Tsundue, an award-winning poet and writer was not released as his bail paper had not reached prison officials. On October 6, Tenzin was arrested at Kottakuppam in Villuppuram ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Mamallapuram. He was carrying ‘Free Tibet’ materials and pamphlets. He was sent to Central Prison, Puzhal following orders of a magistrate in Villupuram district.
Following his arrest, eight persons including a woman activist were arrested in Selaiyur by the police. Tenzing Norbu, an English professor at a city college was arrested by Neelangarai police the next day. Subsequently, four others were arrested by Kelambakkam police last Friday.
“Altogether, 14 Tibetan activists were lodged in Central Prison, Puzhal, as per the orders of respective magistrate courts in the jurisdiction where they were arrested. Since they were foreign nationals, they were lodged in the Central Prison here. Thirteen of them were released as the courts granted them bail. Tenzin was not released since his bail papers had not reached the prison until the evening. He will be released soon.”
