Tibetan Language Advocate Tashi Wangchuk Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid Cultural Crackdown

Tashi Wangchuk, a leading voice for Tibetan language rights, was detained for 15 days for allegedly spreading false information online and remains under stringent surveillance. His situation underscores China's aggressive moves to suppress ethnic languages and cultures, prompting human rights concerns worldwide.

Tashi Wangchuk, a Tibetan language rights advocate, experienced a 15-day detention, accused of spreading false information and disrupting social order. Under tight surveillance now, his detention highlights China's intensified efforts to replace Tibetan and other ethnic cultures and languages with Mandarin and Han Chinese traditions, as per Radio Free Asia reports.

A document from the Yulshul City Detention Center, acquired by RFA, shows Wangchuk's arrest by Qinghai's Internet Police Unit on October 20. Held in Yulshul Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, he was released on November 4. Allegations claim Wangchuk spread false information on social media since June, insulting government departments and hampering public order by opposing policies.

Despite his release, Wangchuk faces ongoing surveillance and questioning. A Yulshul township shopkeeper mentioned his January 2021 release from a five-year sentence for discussing language restrictions with Western media. Human rights groups worry about his safety, given the continued limitations on his freedom, showing the Chinese government's cultural assimilation drive.

(With inputs from agencies.)