Tenzin Lobsang
Student for Free Tibet (SFT-Canada)
August 7, 2009

Tomorrow, Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty
is set to leave on a high-profile trade mission
to China taking place from August 8th to 14th, in
an effort to improve trade relations with the
Chinese government.  This is a big change from
the government’s initial stance on China, with
Prime Minister Harper originally being quoted as
saying that he wouldn’t “sell out to the almighty dollar“.

Flaherty’s trip with other heads in the Canadian
financial sector comes as Tibetan filmmaker,
Dhondup Wanchen, awaits trial on charges of
“inciting separatism” for taking part in making
the film Leaving Fear Behind.  This film
documents the views of ordinary Tibetans in Tibet
about policies in Tibet, the Dalai Lama, and the
Beijing 2008 Olympics.  Dhondup Wangchen’s lawyer
has been barred from representing him, casting
serious doubt over the fairness of his trial, and
the legitimacy of China’s judicial system.

Because of this trip, Canada has the ability to
speak out for Dhondup Wangchen and for human
rights in Tibet.  Please TAKE ACTION by sending a
letter urging Minister Flaherty to raise Dhondup
Wangchen’s case during his trip to China.