Statement of H. H. the Dalai Lama on Liu Xiaobo's Sentence

from www.tibet.net

I am saddened by the Chinese Government sentencing Liu Xiaobo, a
well-known Chinese writer, to an 11-year jail term.

By sentencing Liu Xiaobo and others like him, who use freedom of
expression to publicly articulate their opinions, the Chinese
authorities have not only violated the binding principles of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the freedom of
expression mentioned in the Constitution of the People's Republic of
China.

I urge the Chinese Government to release, as soon as possible, Liu
Xiaobo and other political prisoners who were jailed for exercising
their freedom of expression.

I offer my regards and prayers to Mr. Liu Xiaobo, his wife and other
family members.

The Dalai Lama

December 28, 2009