29/01/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 29 January, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service called on the Chinese authorities to ensure that the release of human rights activist Tashi Wangchuk (see EUROPE 12024/24), after serving a five-year prison sentence linked to his peaceful advocacy for Tibetan language rights, is “unconditional” and that he is able to enjoy his fundamental freedoms, including freedom of movement and residence. “Protecting native languages is critical to maintaining culture and identity”, the spokesperson said in a press release. The EU also urged the Chinese authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of mistreatment, torture and abuse of Mr Wangchuk while he was in detention. (CG)