Beijing, March 8 (DPA) Chinese authorities sentenced a popular Tibetan singer to 15 months of 're-education through labour' after he released an album containing lyrics deemed political, US-based Radio Free Asia said Monday.

The broadcaster said it obtained a copy of a document declaring that Tashi Dhondup was sent to a labour camp in his home province Qinghai because he had 'violated laws' by singing songs in support of Tibetan independence and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

The written notice of the decision said that Dhondup, 30, was detained in December for 'separatist activities' and sentenced in January, according to the report.

Police had warned the singer earlier last year to stop performing the title '1958', which referred to an unsuccessful Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, according to the document.