In reaction to a report by Chinese media about the release of 1,157 people who were involved in the Tibet protests last march, Amnesty International said:
“We are encouraged by the news of the release of 1,157 people and we look forward to receiving information about the trials of the 116 people in custody announced by the Tibetan authorities.”

Amnesty International’s statement comes a day after the organization published a report where it urged the Chinese government to provide information about the more than 1,000 people detained during the protests last March who remain unaccounted for and called for free access to Tibet by independent observers.

XINHUA News report

AS1-CHINA-TIBET-RELEASE

China releases 1,157 people alleged involved in Lhasa riot

Text of report in English by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency)

LHASA, June 20 (Xinhua) - Tibet has released 1,157 people involved in the March Lhasa riot, who were charged with minor offences, said Palma Trily, the autonomous region's executive vice chairman, at a press conference here on Friday.

Tibet police detained and arrested 953 people after the riot, while 362 others surrendered to police, he said.

The Tibet courts have so far handed down punishments to 42 people, convicting them of arson, robbery, the crime of gathering to assault state organs, and other crimes. Another 116 in custody were awaiting trial.

Defendants from minority ethnic groups were provided with interpreters at court sessions, which ensured their rights, Palma Trily said.

He said judicial authorities followed the policy of combining punishment with leniency in handling the cases, which means leniency for those with minor offences.

Source: Xinhua news agency, Beijing, in English 1543 gmt 20 Jun 08