We would like to draw the attention of your Government to information we have received regarding the sentencing of eight student protestors to prison terms following their participation in peaceful demonstrations in the Tibet Autonomous Region in November 2012, calling for, inter alia, equality among nationalities, and respect for and freedom to study the Tibetan language. The arrest and detention of, and the alleged excessive use of force against, peaceful protestors during these demonstrations were the subject of an urgent appeal, dated 10 December 2012, by the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; and Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. We acknowledge receipt of the reply of your Government dated 7 February 2013. According to the information received: on 10 April 2013, the Gonghe County People's Court sentenced the following student protestors from the Tsolho Technical School for "illegally holding demonstration" and "causing harm to social stability" in November 2012 in Gonghe: - Mr. Sangye Bum sentenced to four years in prison; - Messrs Kunsang Bum, Lhaten and Jampa Tsering sentenced to three years and six months in prison; - Messrs Wangyal Tsering and Choekyong Kyap sentenced to three years and three months in prison; and - Messrs Tsering Tashi and Dola sentenced to three years in prison. The above mentioned individuals have been detained since then. Serious concerns are expressed that the sentencing of the eight aforementioned students may be linked to their legitimate human rights activities, in the exercise of their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, and of opinion and expression. Further concerns are expressed for their physical and psychological integrity while in detention. 12/06/2013: JUA sent by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. 12/07/2013: China responds to the JUA, stating that the arrests and convictions were in accordance with the law and not in violation of the rights of the accused.