Brussels — Members of the Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the European Parliament has expressed deep concern over the Chinese government's arrest of 80 innocent Tibetans, who were protesting against illegal gold mining activities carried out by a Chinese company in Kashi, Sershul County, Zachukha, in eastern Tibet. MEPs states," All individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights must be released without delay. The use of mass arrests and coercive measures against nonviolent protesters is unacceptable and further undermines trust and stability in the region."
Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Dainius Zalimas, co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet, and MEP Hannes Heide, co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Group on Tibet, issued a statement on December 18, 2025, regarding the Chinese government's mass arrest of peaceful Tibetan protesters in Kashi, Sershul County, Zachukha, eastern Tibet, in early November 2025.
The statement states, "The Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the European Parliament is deeply concerned by the reported arrest of approximately 80 Tibetans and communications blackout following a peaceful protest against illegal goldmining in Kashi, Kham, in castern Tibet."
"These protests reflect deep and legitimate concerns over environmental destruction, the violation of community rights, and the long-term impact of extractive activities on livelihoods, water sources, and cultural heritage. The criminalisation of Tibetans for peacefully defending their land and environment constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and environmental protection," it added.
Members of the European Parliament said, "We condemn heavy-handed method used to prevent residents from exercising their fundamental rights and call on the authorities of the People's Republic of China to exercise restraint and to immediately de-escalate the situation. All individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights must be released without delay. The use of mass arrests and coercive measures against nonviolent protesters is unacceptable and further undermines trust and stability in the region."
"We further urge the PRC authorities to ensure accountability for the reported crackdown, including, by conducting transparent and independent investigations into the actions of security forces and local officials. Meaningful consultation with affected Tibetan communities and respect for environmental and human rights standards are essential to prevent further escalation," the MEPs stated.
"The European Parliament has consistently raised concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Tibetan people and reiterate our call on the Chinese authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights law, protect environmental defenders, and respect the rights of Tibetans to safeguard their land, culture, and way of life," MEP Dainius Zalimas and MEP Hannes Heide concluded their statement.
Rigzin Genkhang, Representative of the Office of Tibet in Brussels, welcomed the statement issued by the Co-Chairs on behalf of the group, and expressed her deep gratitude for the continued support and solidarity shown by Members of the European Parliament. The representative emphasised that in light of the escalating repression and environmental destruction in Tibet, such principled international engagement is urgent and must be followed by concrete actions to protect Tibetan communities, hold those responsible to account, and ensure that the voices of Tibetans defending their land and environment are heard and respected.
Tibetans in New York, the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto, and other regions held protests on December 20, 2025, to protest against the Chinese government and Chinese company for their illegal gold mining in the Kashi village in Kham, Tibet, and the arrest of more than 80 innocent Tibetans. The Tibetan activists also called on the Chinese government to stop illegal mining activities that are damaging Tibet's fragile environment and to immediately release the arrested Tibetans.
Five Tibetan non-governmental organisations, Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women's Association, Students for a Free Tibet-India, the National Democratic Party of Tibet and Gu Chu Sum Movement Association of Tibet organised a protest in Dharamshala, on December 19, 2025, calling on the Chinese government to immediately release Tibetans arrested for protesting against illegal gold mining in the Kashi Village, Kham, Tibet, and to halt unauthorised mining activities that are damaging Tibet's fragile environment.
