Worldwide
fans of Gepe - AKA Gaybay, Gebhe, Gepey - are still anxiously
awaiting news on the recently arrested popular Tibetan singer from
Ngaba, Amdo. According to various sources (including RFA, Phayul and
The Tibet Post) 27 year old Gepe was arrested by Barkham County
Public Security Bureau shortly after performing at a concert on May
24th 2014. You can view his performance at the concert prior
to his arrest HERE.
Despite
the concert organizers having applied to authorities for a permit in
advance to allow for Gepe's performance, the fact that he calls for
recognition of the Tibetan language as
well as (rather than instead of) other
languages, and the audience appreciating and supporting the
performance, shortly after his activity on stage he was forcefully
removed and detained. Not even his family have knowledge of his
current whereabouts, conditon, or an official reason for his arrest.
Quote from a translation of one of the songs that Gepe performed at
the May 24 concert - 'Knowing other languages is good, But we will be
perished if we ignore our mother tongue.'
Although
China has arrested multiple performers in recent years, only a few
are well known outside of Tibet. Unlike some of the other Tibetan
singers who have been arrested, Gepe has many fans living outside of
Tibet/China. You only need to view some of his Youtube videos to
witness the strong appreciation he has acquired from many countries.
Free Tibet are currently running a campaign, supported by Peter
Gabriel and Techung among others, calling for signatures on their
petition to free 11 popular Tibetan singers. You can read more and
sign the petition HERE.
Meanwhile,
China claims in its recently released White Paper 'Progress in
China’s human rights in 2013' that “The socioeconomic rights of
ethnic minorities are fully protected” and that "The cultural
legacies of Tibet are effectively protected, and the local religion
and traditional customs and social mores are respected.”
You
can hear Gepe's 2012 album in full HERE - although it has
been banned inside Tibet/China.
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