Tibet: Since 2021, over 60 individuals in Tibetan regions of China have been detained for offenses related to phone and internet usage, as reported by the nonprofit organization Human Rights Watch.
These numerous arrests, which may be an underestimate since the government does not release statistics on such prosecutions or detentions, align with an increasing surveillance system across Tibet.
Maya Wang, the associate director for China at Human Rights Watch, stated, “For Tibetans, merely using a cellphone has become perilous, and routine actions like sharing a funny video or reaching out to family abroad can lead to arrest, detention, and torture. Tibetans, especially those in remote areas, initially welcomed cellphones for staying connected with friends and family, but these devices have essentially turned into tools for government surveillance.”
Many of the arrests have been linked to the possession of prohibited content on phones, including materials related to Tibetan religious figures. In 2022, the government prohibited the online sharing of any religious content that has not been authorized by them.
- Lord, we pray for justice and advocacy to be upheld and that all international organizations and individuals will rise up to advocate for the rights of the Tibetan people, bringing attention to their plight and working towards justice and freedom of expression (The Holy Bible, Isaiah 1:17).
- Lord, we come to you for the protection and freedom of the Tibetan people. We pray for the safety of Tibetans who face persecution for their phone and internet usage. Ask God to protect them from unjust arrests and to grant them courage during their trials (The Holy Bible, Psalms 9:9).
News Source: The Record Media
Image Source: Canva
