Dharamsala, May 7 - Two Chinese human rights lawyers, Li Fanping and Jiang Tianyong, have hands in the release of Jigme, 42, a monk who spoke on camera of his ordeals after the last year’s March unrest, reported Times Online.

Li Fangping was quoted by Times Online as saying, “He was released partly because there was insufficient evidence. Even though he spoke about how he was tortured after the March 14 incident, this was insufficient to make a criminal case. He is now released on bail.”

Mr Li said that the appearance of lawyers to argue on Jigme’s behalf was vital factor in his release.

“When the police told him that lawyers had come forward to help him, he said he wanted legal representation. Before we even had time to see him, he had been released.”

Acording to Times Online, Jigme was released on May 2 and returned a day later to his monastery, half a year after dozens of police raided his quarters and took him away for the second time in a year.

The duo also represent Trulku Phurbu Tsering, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist leader facing charges of illegal possession of arms. It is the second time in recent weeks that the two lawyers have come forward to help a detained Tibetan.