Tibetan singer Gebey was freed by Chinese authorities on bail. While it remains unclear as to whether charges will still be pending, he has as of now been returned to his family.

The Voice Project initiated its campaign last month to petition Chinese authorities to disclose the whereabouts and free the 27-year-old Tibetan singer, and we want to thank all of you who participated, everyone who used their voice to speak up on his behalf. 

Gebey (sometimes spelled Gepe, Gebe, or Gaybay) was arrested following a cultural awareness performance at a concert hall in the Aba Tibetan Prefecture on May 24, 2014 by Chinese security forces after the concert where he performed songs off his 2012 album which spoke to the need to preserve Tibetan language and culture.

The fight is not over though, by a long shot. Chinese ethnocide in Tibet continues with the government’s systematic policy of cultural cleansing by imprisoning Tibetan artists who speak out about abuse or even simply advocate for cultural pride or sing about continuing Tibetan traditions or language. The United Nations has described torture in Tibet as being “widespread” and “routine.” China is trying to erase Tibet and Tibetan culture from the world, and Tibetan activist artists are one of the most important and last lines of defense. The following ten singers have been imprisoned in China since 2012:  Kalsang Yarphel, Pema Tinley, Chakdor, Lolo, Shawo Tashi, Achok Phulshung, Choksal, Trinley Tsekar, Gongpo Tsezin and Pema Rigzin. We simply cannot let this pass, these 10 artists sitting in prison cells for simply expressing themselves and pride in their cultural.

The imprisonment of the “Tibet 10” should be intolerable to the international community and we can not turn a blind eye to China’s systematic persecution of the Tibetan people or to the basic human rights violations be perpetrated against these musicians. We urge you to join us and use your voice to speak up on their behalf. Take action here: Free The Tibet 10.