A/HRC/7/10/Add.1 page 20 own volition, of the statue by the monastery citizens’ management committee was in compliance with the laws and regulations. The Government stated that the allegation that the armed police has demolished the statue is a sheer fabrication. It has been ascertained that no claim for compensation has been made by the monastery, nor has it submitted any appeal. The monks and the congregation have shown both understanding and support for the removal of the statue by the monastery. Observations 68. The Special Rapporteur is grateful for the Government’s response. Communication sent on 14 August 2007 jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression 69. The Special Rapporteurs brought to the attention of the Government information they had received concerning Mr. Runggye Adak, of the Yonru nomadic group, as well as reportedly 200 people allegedly involved in a protest to release him from prison. According to the information received, on 1 August 2007, Mr. Adak took the stage during the annual horse racing festival in Lithang, in the Kanze autonomous prefecture in the Suchuan province. He allegedly made a statement defending the Dalai Lama’s return and the release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima who has been recognized as the eleventh reincarnation of the Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama. Furthermore, he stated that the people of Lithang should have freedom of religion or belief. 70. Mr. Adak was reportedly arrested by the People’s Armed Police as soon as he made these comments and subsequently taken into custody. According to the reports received, a large crowd proceeded to the police station and gained access to the compound. The crowd was dispersed after the authorities assured that Mr. Adak would be released the following day. On 2 August 2007, as people gathered in the police station again to demand the release of Mr. Adak, 200 protesters were allegedly taken into custody by the People’s Armed Police, including several other members of the Yonru nomadic group. Response from the Government dated 20 November 2007 71. Mr. Runggye Adak, aged 53, is an ethnic Tibetan and farmer from Kahui village in Benge rural district, Lithang county, Garzê prefecture. On 1 August 2007, he was taken into criminal custody, in accordance with the law, by the Lithang county public security bureau on suspicion of unlawful activities intended to foment the division of the State. On 25 August 2007, in accordance with the provisions of article 103, paragraph 23, of the Criminal Code of the People’s Republic of China, his detention was authorized by Garzê prefecture people’s procuratorate. After measures of restraint had been imposed against Runggye Adak by the public security bureau, he did not submit any complaint to the judicial authorities. The case is still at the pre-trial inquiry and preliminary investigation stage and has not yet been referred to the procurator’s office. 72. The Chinese Constitution protects citizens’ freedom of religious belief and freedom of expression. No one may be prosecuted because of their expression of their views or the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of religious belief. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, together with other international human rights instruments, clearly stipulate that the exercise of rights and freedoms must be