Annual Report, 1999 - Tibet: Tightening of Control
Political prisoners and prisoners of conscience are
those detained on account of their religious, political,
and ethnic views. According to the United States State
Department, "Chinese government authorities continue to
commit serious human rights abuses in Tibet, including
lengthy detention of Tibetan nationalists for peacefully
expressing their political views." The Chinese government
controls access to and information about Tibet, making it
difficult to receive information on political prisoners.
Often the number and identity of political prisoners
reaches TCHRD years after the prisoners have been
detained.
As of December 1999, 615 known Tibetans remain incarcerated
on these grounds. Of these, 162 are women and 23 were
juveniles at the time of their arrests. There are
currently 62 known political prisoners serving sentences
of ten years or more.
The Chinese government targets monasteries and nunneries to
control dissident activities. TCHRD's statistics indicate
that nuns and monks make up 79 per cent of political
prisoners currently detained in prisons. These prisoners,
arrested simply for exercising their rights, lose many
other rights once imprisoned. They are subject to physical
and mental torture, and held in incommunicado detention
in prisons that fall well below international guidelines.
China expanded two major prison complexes in Lhasa this
year, Drapchi Prison and Sangyip Detention Centre. These
expansions indicate a growth in prisoner capacity in the
Lhasa area. Drapchi Prison added a new three-storey
cell-block fronted by a large concrete assembly
area. Within Sangyip Detention Centre, in Outridu Prison,
an additional cell-block was added. If all cell-blocks
are utilised, Outridu Prison has approximately doubled
its prison population since 1997.
International campaigns have been launched by
non-governmental organisations urging the Chinese
government to release political prisoners and prisoners
of conscience in Tibet. These campaigns include: Tanak
Jigme Sangpo (73), the longest serving Tibetan political
prisoner; Ngawang Sangdrol (23), the longest serving female
political prisoner; Ngawang Sungrab (28), Ngawang Jungney
(29), Gyaltsen Choephel (28), Ngawang Choephel (36),
Lodroe Gyatso (40), and Phutsok Nyidron (31). Despite
strong international pressure, the Chinese government is
yet to accede to these requests and has shown no relaxation
in their policies.
China also has in its custody the world's youngest prisoner
of conscience,
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima
(11),
the XI Panchen Lama as recognised by the Dalai Lama.
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, together with his parents,
continues to be held by Chinese authorities.
Their whereabouts are unknown.
Dakpa
and
Riglo,
two monks of Tawu Nyitso Monastery in Tawu County, Kandze "TAP",
were arrested on suspicion
of involvement in a poster campaign that took place in
August of 1998. During August, posters calling for Tibetan
independence were seen in public places in Tawu County. The
posters read "Independence of Tibet" and "Chinese quit
Tibet." The Tawu PSB investigated the matter, but was
unable to solve the case. The case was left unresolved
until June 1999, when the two monks were arrested.
Dakpa, a 23 year-old monk, was arrested by Tawu PSB
officers from his monastery on suspicion of the 1998
poster incident. After Dakpa's arrest, he was taken to
Tawu County Detention Centre (CDC). After almost ten days,
another monk, Riglo, around 22 years old, from the same
monastery was arrested by Tawu PSB and detained along with
Dakpa. Dakpa and Riglo are believed to be detained in Tawu
County Detention Centre.
Dakpa Gyaltsen
and
Sangye Tashi,
two monks from Rong-Gonchen Monastery were arrested in
April of 1999 on charges of distributing pictures of
the Dalai Lama. Dakpa Gyaltsen, 24 years old, is from
Sakyil village in Rebkong County, Malho "TAP", Qinghai
Province. He was arrested on April 7, 1999 from Xining
Tibetan Medical College after PSB officials learned that
Gyaltsen had distributed pictures of the Dalai Lama and the
XI Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. This is the second
time that Gyaltsen has been arrested. He was arrested
earlier in February 1997, after a raid in his monastery.
A picture of the Tibetan National Flag with the inscription
of "Tibet is an independent county" was discovered in
his room. He was detained for over a month in the Qinghai
PSB Detention Centre. During his detention, he reportedly
suffered severe torture. Prison officials stubbed burning
cigarettes on his face and deprived him of sleep for 15
days. Upon his release, his face and body had blisters
and blue marks. Gyaltsen's friend, Sangye Tashi, was also
arrested in early April 1999 on the same charges. However,
Tashi was released after a week in detention. Gyaltsen
is not yet sentenced, and is believed to be detained in
Qinghai PSB's Detention Centre.
Sonam Phuntsok,
Agyal Tsering,
and
Sonam Choephel.
On October 24, 1999, officials of Kandze County PSB
arrested three monks of Kandze Dhargye Monastery. Reports
indicate that the Chinese authorities suspected Sonam
Phuntsok of having "clandestine contacts" with the Tibetan
Government-in-Exile. A 48 year-old respected and learned
monk of Kandze Dhargye Monastery, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, is
a popular figure amongst the Tibetan community, monasteries
in Tibet, and Tibetan government employees. However, the
Chinese authorities regard him as an element of threat
to the stability of the nation, because of his growing
popularity and faith by the Tibetan people.
Agyal Tsering,
lay name Agyong, is a 47 year-old monk. He was first
arrested in February 1990 for allegedly printing and
distributing leaflets calling for Tibet's independence.
He pasted posters on the gates of Chinese official building
in Kandze and later he visited Odoling City in Qinghai
Province and pasted posters at prominent places. He
was detained in Jyekundo (Ch:Yushu) "TAP" of Qinghai
Province. He was sentenced to an 18-month term of
"re-education"through-labour" without trail. Born in
Jurenno village in Diwo township, Kandze County, he studied
in People's School in Kandze for five years, and later
joined Kandze Dargye Monastery. Sonam Choephel is believed
to be the personal assistant of Geshe Sonam Phuntsok.
Jampel Rigzin, Jampel Tsering,
and
an unidentified monk,
monks of Drepung Monastery were arrested on June 16,
1999 on suspicion of participating in independence
activities. Reports indicate that Jampel Rigzin endured
beatings and is in serious condition. He is currently
detained in Gutsa Dentention Centre. Jampel Rigzin (34), is
originally from Dongkar village in Toelung Dechen County,
Lhasa Municipality. Further information on the incident
is not known.
Jigme Dawa,
lay name Tsekhog Sonam,
of Rong-Gonchen Monastery in Malho "TAP",
was arrested on June 8, 1999, on charges of
setting on fire the door of a monk who was suspected
of being a Chinese informer in the monastery. Dawa,
33 years old, is from Shipsor township, Tsekhog County
in Malho "TAP", Qinghai Province. Dawa allegedly set
the fire on February 28, 1999, during a special prayer
ceremony in the Monastery. After three days, a note was
found pasted on the main hall of the monastery threatening
the informer monk with dire consequences if he did not
stop favouring the Chinese. The note read, " ... whatever
happened now is nothing, in future nothing can be ruled
out, even your life." Chinese authorities reportedly took
the note for handwriting verification and concluded that
Jigme Dawa had written the note. Dawa was arrested despite
his repeated pleas of innocence. His room was searched
at the time of his arrest by PSB officials who discovered
some "political documents" including speeches of the Dalai
Lama. Dawa's friends believe that he could not have done
the crime, because his attendance at the prayer ceremony
was compulsory. Dawa continues to deny his involvement
in the alleged crime.
Legshe Tsoglam,
a 21 year-old monk
of Nalanda Monastery,
was arrested in early April of 1999,
for refusing to co-operate with a
"patriotic education" campaign being conducted in his
monastery. He was severely beaten when he was taken to
Gutsa Detention Centre. He died just a few days following
his release, on April 12, 1999.
Lobsang Choephel,
a monk of Gyutoe Monastery in Lhasa City was arrested
on his way to Ngachen (a place specifically set aside
for an incense burning ceremony on the birthday of the
Dalai Lama), in July of 1999. He was reportedly severely
beaten by PSB officials. His sentence and whereabouts are
unknown.
Lobsang Kunchok,
lay name Choedar, a 23 year-old monk of Kirti Monastery
in Ngaba County was arrested in April of 1999. Kunchok
was arrested by Ngaba County PSB officials on charges
of pasting independence posters around Ngaba County.
The posters were calling for "Free Tibet" and "Long Live
His Holiness the Dalai Lama." His room was thoroughly
searched by the Ngaba County PSB, and he was detained in
Ngaba CDC for three days. He was sentenced by the Barkham
People's Court to five years' imprisonment, and taken to
Barkham Prison in Ngaba "TAP" in Sichuan Province.
Namdrol
(21)
and
Phuntsok Legmon
(16)
are two monks from Taglungdrag Monastery who were arrested
on March 10, 1999, for staging a peaceful demonstration
in the Barkhor area of Lhasa City. Despite the atmosphere
of "martial law" the two monks called out from the crowd
in the Barkhor "Tibet is Independent." Both monks were
immediately arrested by security officials and taken to
Gutsa Detention Centre. Namdrol, lay name Sonam Choedak,
was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. Phuntsok
Legmon, lay name Tseten Norbu, was sentenced to three
years' imprisonment. Both the monks were charged with
"endangering the state security" and are currently serving
their sentences in Drapchi Prison.
Ngawang Samphel,
a 33 year-old monk
from Drepung Monastery,
was arrested in
early April of 1999 on "suspicion of political acts". This
is the second time he has been arrested. Samphel was
previously detained in Gutsa Detention Centre for taking
part in a demonstration, on September 27, 1988. In early
April 1999, officers raided Ngawang Samphel's room however,
found nothing that could implicate him in any political
activity. Nevertheless, Ngawang was arrested on grounds
of suspicion of political acts. Since his arrest, no
information has been available regarding his well-being
or whereabouts.
Ngawang Tenzin,
Gyaltsen Jangchub,
Namdol Choedon
from Taglungdrag Monastery were arrested on October 1,
1999 for staging a peaceful protest in Lhasa during the
celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the
People's Republic of China. Four monks participated in the
protest, however, one was able to escape arrest. Ngawang
Tenzin is 21 years old from Toelung Dechen County in Lhasa;
Gyaltsen Jangchub is 21 years old from Nagartse County
in Lhokha Prefecture; and Namdol Choedon is 22 years old
from Nyemo County in Lhasa. The current whereabouts of
the monks are unknown.
Ngawang Tsedup,
alias Tenzin Wangyal, a 21 year-old monk from Taglungdrag
Monastery who was arrested on August 20, 1999. During
the Sixth National Minority Games, Tsedup dressed in lay
cloths shouted "Free Tibet" on a stage built for cultural
performances in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa City.
He was immediately arrested by the security police and
taken to Gutsa Detention Centre. His current place of
detention and sentence is not known.
Palden Choedon,
a 25 year-old nun of Shugseb Nunnery in Lhasa was arrested
in February 1999, while trying to escape to India. She
was sentenced to one year imprisonment at Trisam Prison,
a "re-education"through-labour" camp. Choedon is a former
political prisoner, who had served time in Drapchi Prison
after participating in a demonstration in Lhasa in 1990.
Penpa Tsering,
and
two unknown monks
from Nemo Monastery
were arrested on May 31, 1999
by PSB officials of Tso-toe township, Lhundrup County.
The monks were arrested on charges of pasting "Free Tibet"
posters on the gate and walls of the Tso-toe town
government's offices. The three monks were accused of being
the prime suspects and were later detained in Lhundrup
CDC. It is not known whether the three monks are still
detained in Lhundrup County or were transferred to Lhasa.
Sonam,
Lhakpa,
Pasang
and
Norbu
are four monks from Sera Monastery arrested by the
Religious Management Committee and the Sera Monastery
Police Station. In January and February 1999, each monk
was arrested separately, under "political suspicion". Sonam
was arrested on January 18, 1999; Lhakpa was arrested
February 11, 1999; Pasang was arrested on February 13,
1999; and Norbu was arrested on February 14, 1999. Sonam,
Pasang, and Norbu have been released after spending four
to five months at Gutsa Detention Centre. Lhakpa is still
being held at Gutsa Detention Centre.
Tashi Tsering,
a 39 year-old Tibetan farmer was arrested on August
26, 1999. During an "exhibition trade fair" organised
by the "TAR" government in front of the Potala Palace,
Tsering lowered the Chinese flag that was hoisted on
the south-west side of the Potala Square, and attempted
to replace it with the banned Tibetan flag. However,
his actions drew the attention of the security police
who came to arrest him. The PAP personnel confronted
Tsering and smashed his head frequently to the ground,
causing heavy bleeding. Tsering reportedly attempted
to detonate an explosive device attached to himself;
however due to wet conditions the explosives failed. His
resulting injuries, after struggling for his freedom,
required immediate hospitalisation. Tsering died in the
first week of October 1999, while still hospitalised,
due to the beatings he sustained at the time of his
arrest. The Chinese government denies Tsering's death.
According to Xu Mingyang, Executive Vice-Chairman of
the "TAR"" "the man who was arrested after an abortive
attempt to detonate a homemade explosive is not dead."
The Chinese government has not produced Tsering's body
or formally charged him. Lhakdron, Tashi Tsering's wife,
was arrested shortly after his arrest. Lhakdron, 39 years
old, has been detained since August 1999, and her current
condition and whereabouts is not known.
Tenzin,
a 24 year-old monk of Kirti Monastery and teacher in
Ngaba County Tibetan Middle School was arrested in
January 1999 for decorating a picture of the Dalai Lama
and possessing a Tibetan flag in his classroom by Ngaba
County PSB. After being detained in the CDC for three
months, he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and
was taken to Maowan Qing Autonomous County Prison.
Tsering Dorjee,
a 26 year-old Tibetan teacher from Rebkong County in Malho
"TAP" was working as a Chinese translator when he was
arrested on August 15, 1999. Dorjee was charged with having
assisted two foreigners, who were investigating a proposed
World Bank project. Dorjee was released in September 1999,
after being detained for one month.
Yeshi Yarphel,
a 15 year-old boy from Nyari, was detained in late February
1999, on accusations of being a spy for the Tibetan
Government-in-Exile. In 1991, Yarphel's parents sent
him to Dharamsala to receive a proper Tibetan education
in India. After studying in India for eight years,
he left school in late February 1999 to look after his
aged parents. The PAP arrested Yarphel shortly after he
returned to Tibet, in late February 1999. He was taken to
Nyari Detention Centre in Shigatse. He was released in late
April 1999 after being detained for a total of two months.
Two monks
and
two nuns
were reportedly arrested after
chanting slogans in the presence of Chinese dignitaries
during a cultural performance at the National Minority
Games, in August of 1999. Their arrests are unconfirmed,
and the names of the protesters and current whereabouts
are not known.
Eleven monks
of Kandze Dhargye Monastery were arrested
on July 20, 1999, after the discovery of pro-independent
slogans on the walls of the monastery. The eleven monks
had allegedly written "free Tibet" in bold red letters with
paint on the gates and walls of their monastery, and were
charged with their inscriptions. The names of the monks,
along with their sentences and place of detention are not
known.
Eighty Tibetans
were arrested during a peaceful
demonstration that gathered over 3000 protesters from
Kandze County. The demonstrations took place outside the
Kandze County People's Government and Kandze Detention
Centre, on Oc|ober 31, 1999. The protesters demanded
the release of
Geshe Sonam Phuntsok,
Agyal Tsering,
and
Sonam Choephel,
who were arrested on October 24, 1999.
Officials of PSB opened fire on the peaceful protesters,
however, the figure of casualties is not known. TCHRD
has received the names of five of the demonstrators:
Sonam Yeshi,
Pema Phuntsok,
Loga,
Wangdak,
and
Wangdu.
All five men are believed to be detained at Kandze CDC.
These cases of arrests have occurred prior to 1999, but
the information of these arrests was not received by TCHRD
until this year.
Lobsang Tsundrue,
a 47 year-old nomad from Meldrogungkar was arrested
sometime in June 1993. He was charged with hoisting the
Tibetan National flag on the Gaden Wangpo hill in early
1993. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment at
Drapchi Prison. Tsundrue was also arrested earlier in
December 1989 for pasting posters calling for independence
of Tibet around Ruthog township. At that time he was
sentenced to three years and was imprisoned at a prison
in Meldrogungkar County.
Ngawang
and
Nyima Tenzin
are from Meldrogungkar, and were arrested in early June
1993 for pasting posters calling for the independence of
Tibet. Ngawang is a monk from Dagpa Monastery and the
elder brother of Kalsang Tsering, who was arrested on
June 17, 1997 on the same charges. Tenzin is a monk of
Pangsa Monastery. They were both involved in pasting
pro-independence posters on the evening of May 31,
1993. Both were sentenced to eight years and are currently
serving their sentences in Drapchi Prison.
Tinsang
and
five unidentified nuns
from Choku Nunnery, Kyimshi, Lhoka Prefecture, were
arrested in 1994 for pasting a Tibetan flag in their
nunnery. Tinsang, 28 years old, was sentenced to seven
years' imprisonment at Drapchi Prison.
Jamyang,
a monk of Dzoge Taktsa Monastery in Ngaba "TAP", Sichuan
Province was arrested in June 1995 by County PSB for
painting a picture of mountains and decorating it in his
room. Charged with "counter revolutionary" propaganda,
Jamyang was detained in County PSB for 18 months without
formal charges or trial.
Lo Tsundue,
a lay man from Lhasa, was arrested in 1995 for screening
a video on the Dalai Lama. He was sentenced to two years'
imprisonment. Lo Tsundue had earlier participated in a
Lhasa pro-independence demonstration. He had brought the
tape from Lhasa to Lithang County, Kandze "TAP", Sichuan
Province.
Segye
and
Chogdrup
are from Meldrogungkar County in Lhasa City. Segye,
28 years old, and Chogdrup, 26 years old, were Gaden
monks at the time of their arrest. They were arrested
for participating in a demonstration in 1995. Segye was
sentenced to six years' imprisonment and Chogdrup to five
years' imprisonment. Both are believed to be serving their
sentences in Drapchi Prison.
Ugyen Tashi
is a 50 year-old businessman in Lhasa City from Pashoe
County, Chamdo Prefecture. He was arrested in 1995 under
suspicion of a bomb blast that took place in June 1995. The
explosion was an attempt to destroy the Friendship Highway
pillar. He was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment at
Drapchi Prison.
Dhargyal,
Tsetan,
Lobsang Woeser,
Yeshi,
and
Sichoe Tsering
are five monks of Gaden Monastery who were arrested
in January and February 1996. They were arrested at
different times for being members of the "Association of
Tibetan Freedom Movement." Dhargyal, 28 years old, and
Tsetan, 30 years old, were arrested in early January 1996;
Lobsang Woeser, 28 years old and Yeshi, 30 years old, were
arrested in February 1996; and Sichoe Tsering, 25 years
old, was arrested in late February 1996. Dhargyal, Tsetan,
Lobsang Woeser, and Yeshi were sentenced to five years'
imprisonment and transferred to Drapchi Prison. Sichoe
Tsering was sentenced to two years in Trisam Detention
Centre. In September 1998, Lobsang Woeser fell ill in
prison and was released on medical parole.
Gyaltsen Tenchoe
and
two unidentified nuns
of Garu Nunnery in Lhasa were arrested in March
1996. Tenchoe and two other nuns were arrested after trying
to escape Tibet. All three nuns were trying to evade the
"re-education"campaign" that was being imposed in their
nunnery. They were detained for eight months without trial,
and released in November 1996. Upon their release, all
three nuns were expelled from Garu Nunnery.
Jampel Jinpa
was arrested on July 20, 1996 on charges of carrying
"counter revolutionary" books. Jinpa, 34 years old, from
Sichuan Province was sentenced to one-year imprisonment
and deprived of his political rights for an additional two
years. He was reportedly released in August or September
1997.
Zaye Jigme,
Shabdring,
and
Kunchok Choephel
are three monks of Lhabrang Tashi Kyil Monastery in
Sangchu County, Gansu "TAP", were arrested in 1996.
The three monks were arrested for keeping booklets that
were published in India. They were detained in Sangchu
County Detention Centre for more than 12 months before
being released. Choephel and Shabdring were released
earlier than Jigme, who was badly tortured. Jigme's parents
were charged a penalty of 2000 yuan for his activities, and
he is reportedly crippled form the beatings he received.
Kalsang Tsering
and
Kalsang Wangdu,
two monks from Pangsa Monastery, Meldrogungkar, were
arrested in June 1997 for pasting pro-independence posters.
Kalsang Tsering, lay name Gyagdro, is 20 years old; Kalsang
Wangdu, lay name Kardro, is 21 years old. The posters first
appeared in the monastery on June 1, 1997, and Wangdu was
arrested on June 12, 1997; Tsering was arrested on June 17,
1997. Both men were sentenced to six years' imprisonment,
and are currently being held in Drapchi Prison.
Phutsok Wangdu,
Lobsang Ngawang
and
their cousin
were arrested in February of 1997 from their house in
Lhasa City. Wangdu, 30 years old, is from Taktse County
in Lhasa City, and is a former monk of Gaden Monastery.
In 1990, "work team" members visited his monastery to
carry out the "patriotic re-education" campaign. During
the "re-education" sessions, 18 monks, including Wangdu
were expelled for criticising the "work team" members and
refusing to be "re-educated." On June 17, 1993, "TAR" PSB
officers arrested Wangdu on suspicious grounds and detained
him in Sangyip Prison. Wangdu had fled to India in 1990,
and returned to Tibet in 1993 to visit his grandmother. In
prison, he was subjected to severe beatings and was held
there for a period of six months without formal charges.
After six months, Wangdu was released with many conditions
imposed upon him, including restrictions on his movements.
For about three years, Wangdu stayed in Lhasa. Then
in February 1997, he was arrested at his house with his
brother and 19 year old cousin. The three men were held in
Gutsa Detention Centre where they were brutally beaten.
In May 1997, he was singled out and taken to a police
station west of Lhasa where he was severely interrogated
and was made to confess crimes that he did not commit. In
July 1997, he was charged with "espionage," on the grounds
of "suspicion of instigating political activities". The
Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa sentenced him
to 14 years' imprisonment in June 1998. His brother,
Lobsang Ngawang, and cousin were charged with "assisting
a splittist clique" and sentenced to three years by the
same court. Wangdu continues to be held in Gutsa Detention
Centre as he appealed to the PRC for a re-trial.
Sonam Gyaltsen
and
Damchoe
are from Chentsa County in Malho "TAP", Qinghai Province.
In July 1997, Gyaltsen, 22 years old, and Damchoe, 30
years old, were arrested after Chinese officials discovered
that the two men were wearing T-shirts imprinted with the
Tibetan National Flag. Both were sentenced to two years
"re-education"through-labour" in Trisam Prison.
Tsering,
Kunga,
and
Tenpa
were arrested sometime in 1997 for pasting material about
the Tibetan Government-in-Exile on their school notice
board. The three were detained and interrogated for one
month before being released.
Gyaye Phuntsok
is a 68 year-old teacher from Gyaye village, Chabcha County
in Tsolho "TAP." In August 1998, the Qinghai PSB raided
Gyaye’s house and found documents and speeches of the Dalai
Lama. Gyaye was immediately arrested and taken to Siling
(Chinese: Xining) Prison. From August 1998 to July 1999,
his whereabouts were unknown. TCHRD treated his case as an
enforced disappearance and reported the incident on April
7, 1999. The Tsolho Intermediate People's Court sentenced
Gyaye to six years' imprisonment in July 1999. Reportedly,
Gyaye was released on medical parole in late August 1999
after enduring harsh treatment during interrogation.
Tsering Lhemar,
lay name Lobsang Tsering, is a 27 year-old monk of Kirti
Monastery. Lhemar was arrested in June 1998, for pasting
posters protesting the "patriotic re-education" campaign,
displaying a picture of the Dalai Lama, and portraying a
picture of the snowlion in his room. Lhemar was released
after being detained for two months.
Lhundrup
and
Tenzin Kalsang
are two monks from Sog Tsendhen Monastery. PSB
officials arrested both monks in October 1998, for
pasting independent posters. They were originally
detained in Nagchu Detention Centre, before they were
sentenced. Lhundrup, 40 years old, was sentenced to three
years' imprisonment, and is serving his sentence at Drapchi
Prison. Kalsang, 50 years old, was released after being
detained in Gutsa Detention Centre for nine months.
TCHRD has received confirmed information that the Chinese
Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa has increased the
sentences of eight Drapchi political prisoners following
the protests of International Labour Day (May 1, 1998)
and Youth Day (May 4, 1998). In a horrific display of power
in May 1998, Chinese authorities opened fire at prisoners
during a peaceful demonstration in Drapchi Prison. On
May 1, all the prisoners were taken to a flag hoisting
ceremony to commemorate the International Labour Day. A
total of 900 prisoners were assembled. The prisoners were
made to sing songs in praise of socialism and the Chinese
national anthem. While the Chinese flag was being raised a
non-political prisoner threw a bunch of political leaflets
in the air and political prisoners yelled slogans, which
led to a disruption of the ceremony.
On May 4, 1998, a similar function was organised to
commemorate Youth Day. The Chinese flag hoisting was
disrupted by a monk named Lobsang Geleg, who started
shouting independence slogans. The PAP then forced all the
prisoners back to their cells. Some of the other prisoners
who heard the shouting started shouting and kicking the
gates. A prison guard opened fire and a monk named Ngawang
Sungrab was shot.
Ten deaths were reported as a result of the protests
in Drapchi Prison. Two of them were shot dead, and
eight others were tortured to death for taking part in
the demonstrations. At least 60 prisoners had sustained
severe injuries. Many were severely tortured following the
demonstrations. TCHRD has received confirmed information
that eight of the political prisoners have had their
sentence increased, and two prisoners are missing.
Ngawang Sangdrol
(commonly known as Rigchog)
who was serving 17 years in Drapchi Prison,
had her sentence
extended for the third time in October 1998, by the
Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa, bringing her
total sentence to 21 years. She is the longest serving
female political prisoner in Tibet. Sangdrol's sentence
was increased by four years due to her participation
in the May 1 and 4, 1998 protests at Drapchi Prison.
Since the protests in May last year, Ngawang Sangdrol and
another nun, Ngawang Choezom from Chubsang Nunnery, were
subjected to harsh treatment and were placed in solitary
confinement. Sangdrol was suspected as a "ring leader"
by Chinese authorities and singled out for ill treatment.
Sangdrol's prison sentence had previously been prolonged
by the Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa in October
1993 and July 1996. Born in 1977, Sangdrol is now 22 years
old. She was first arrested in 1987 when she was ten years
old for participating in a demonstration, and was detained
for 15 days. On August 28, 1990, at the age of 13, she
again joined a demonstration led by nuns at the Norbulingka
in Lhasa. She was considered too young to be tried at the
time and was detained for nine months without charge. On
June 17, 1992, at the age of 15, she was sentenced to
three years for attempting to stage a demonstration in
Lhasa along with other nuns from Garu Nunnery. She was then
charged with "subversive and separatist" activities. While
in Drapchi Prison, Sangdrol's sentence was extended by
six years on October 8, 1993, on charges of "spreading
counter-revolutionary propaganda." Along with thirteen
other nuns, she was accused of recording independence songs
and poems on a tape recorder and smuggling it outside the
prison. In July 1996, her sentence was further extended by
eight years for shouting "Free Tibet" while she and other
nuns were made to stand in the rain as punishment for
failing to clean their prison cells. Ngawang Sangdrol is
due to be released in the year 2013 at the age of 36. By
that time she will have spent 21 years of imprisonment.
Phuntsok Rigchog,
layname Migmar,
is a 37 year-old monk of Tashi Gang
Monastery in Nyethang Town, Chushul County in Lhasa
Municipality. On May 31, 1994, Rigchog and six other monks
from the same monastery were arrested for participating in
a peaceful pro-independence demonstration in the Barkhor
area of Lhasa City. The monks were detained in Gutsa
Detention Centre until their sentences were passed. On
November 12, 1994, the Intermediate People's Court of
Lhasa sentenced Rigchog to six years' imprisonment.
After the sentence, he was transferred to Drapchi
Prison. His sentence has been increased by an additional
four years after his participation in the May 1998 Drapchi
protests. He is serving a total sentence of 10 years and
is expected to be released in 2004.
Ngawang Ngonkyen,
lay name Kalsang Phuntsok, is a 24 year-old monk of Tashi
Gang Monastery. Ngonkyen was arrested in February 1994,
after taking part in a peaceful demonstration in Barkhor,
Lhasa City. He was detained in Gutsa Detention Centre for
a year and ten months before being sentenced to six years'
imprisonment in January 1996 by the Intermediate People's
Court of Lhasa. After his sentence he was transferred to
Drapchi Prison. In May 1998, he participated in the Drapchi
Prison protests and had his sentence increased an addition
four years. Ngonkyen's sentence totals 10 years.
Lhasang,
a 23 year-old monk from Phenpo Gonsar Monastery, received
an extra sentence of four years. He was originally
sentenced to five years for political reasons in 1995. He
is presently in Drapchi Prison serving a total sentence
of nine years.
Passang,
a 22 year-old monk of Taglung Monastery in Phenpo
Lhundrup County, was originally sentenced to five years'
imprisonment on political grounds in 1995. Passang had his
sentence extended by an additional three years following
the Drapchi Prison protests brining his total sentence to
eight years.
Norbu Phuntsok,
22 years old, from Taglung Monastery in Phenpo Lhundrup
County, had his sentence increased by an additional three
years in October 1998 for his involvement in the Drapchi
Prison protests. He was first arrested on political grounds
and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in 1995. Phuntsok
is currently serving a total sentence of eight years.
Wangdu,
a 24 year-old monk of Dechen Sa-ngak Monastery in Taktse
County, was originally arrested in December 1994 on
political suspicions. He was sentenced to four years'
imprisonment. Wangdu's sentence was prolonged by an
additional four years for his involvement in the Drapchi
Prison protests. He is currently serving an eight-year
sentence in Drapchi Prison.
Chokyi Wangmo,
a 23 year-old nun of Sharbumba Nunnery in Phenpo Lhundrup
County had her prison sentence increased to an additional
one and a half years. She was originally sentenced to five
years in 1993 for taking part in a peaceful demonstration
in Lhasa City. She is now serving a sentence of six and
a half years in Drapchi Prison.
Tanak Jigme Sangpo
is a 73 year-old former primary school teacher in Lhasa. He
is the longest serving political prisoner in Tibet. By the
time he is released in 2011, at the age of 85, Tanak Jigme
Sangpo will have spent 28 unbroken years in prison with
a cumulative total of 44 years. He was first arrested in
1960 on the charges of "corrupting the minds of children
with reactionary ideas." In 1964, he was sentenced
to three years' imprisonment in Sangyip Prison after
opposing Chinese repression of Tibetans, and was later
sent to a "reform-through-labour" camp in Lhasa. In 1970,
he was charged with inciting his niece to escape to India
in order to report Chinese atrocities to the Dalai Lama,
and was sentenced to ten years of hard labour in Outridu
Prison (Sangyip). Sangpo was released in 1979 from the
prison and transferred to "reform-through-labour" Unit 1
in Nyethang, 60 km west of Lhasa. In November 1983,
at the age of 57, Tanak Jigme Sangpo was sentenced to 15
years' imprisonment for "counter-revolutionary propaganda
and incitement." He was arrested for pasting a poster in
protest of Chinese rule on the gate of Tsuglakhang Temple
in Lhasa, along with wearing a white banner over his body
to symbolise the "ultimate realisation of Tibetan people's
freedom and independence." In 1988, Sangpo received
an additional five-year prison sentence for shouting
pro-independence slogans in jail. In December 1991,
he was reportedly beaten for shouting slogans during a
visit to Drapchi Prison by Swiss government officials,
and was subsequently held in solitary confinement for
at least six weeks. His sentence was again increased,
this time by an additional eight years. He is currently
serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison.
Ngawang Choephel,
a 32 year-old Tibetan musician was reported missing
in August 1995, a month after he travelled to Tibet,
from India, to research traditional Tibetan music. After
more than a year, the Chinese government admitted his
detention. He was subsequently sentenced on December 26,
1996 to 18 years' imprisonment and four years subsequent
deprivation of political rights, on charges of espionage
for the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. In November 1998,
it was reported that Choephel was transferred to the
remote and high security Powo Tramo Prison in Pome County,
Nyingtri Prefecture. Sonam Dekyi, Choephel's mother,
has been campaigning for her son's release, and for the
right to visit him in prison. The Chinese government has
yet to respond to her appeals.
Lobsang Tenzin,
a 32 year-old former student of Tibet University, was
arrested on March 19, 1988. He was accused of being
involved in the death of a PAP officer, during the
demonstrations on March 5, 1988. Tenzin was sentenced to
life imprisonment; however, his sentence was later reduced
to 18 years. Since his incarceration in 1988, he has been
granted only four visits, all of which took place before
1990. He is currently detained in Powo Tramo Prison,
and his health condition is reportedly very poor.
Lodroe Gyatso,
39 years old, was a dance artist and three times weight
lifting champion in Sog County, Nagchu Prefecture,
"TAR"" In April 1994, Gyatso was sentenced to 15 years
after a fighting with a Tibetan known to be pro-Chinese,
resulting in the other man's death. While in prison,
Gyatso staged a one-man demonstration calling for Tibetan
independence and distributing pamphlets and posters. He
was taken to a torture cell where he was kicked and beaten
when he refused to confess. News of the execution order
against Gyatso was smuggled out by other prisoners and
consequently the UN Special Rapporteur on Extra-judicial
Summary or Arbitrary Executions made a special appeal to
China on May 3, 1995. The Chinese response was that no
execution sentence has been passed; rather that Gyatso’s
sentence was extended to an additional six years from May
18, 1995, and he had been stripped of his political rights
for an additional three years bringing his total sentence
to 21 years. The latest reports indicate that he was one
of the participants in the May demonstrations in Drapchi
Prison of 1998, and was subsequently transferred Powo
Tramo Prison. He is believed to be suffering from mental
problems due to the torture he received while imprisoned.
Ngawang Phulchung
(lay name Anu), a monk of 38 or 39 years old from Drepung
Monastery, had his sentence of 19 years' imprisonment
announced at a public rally on November 30, 1989. He
was accused of forming a "counter-revolutionary group"
which had "clandestinely" produced political leaflets
from Drepung Monastery. Phulchung was arrested in April
1989 along with three other Drepung monks. Among the
"reactionary literature" published by the group was
a complete Tibetan translation of the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On March 30, 1991,
he was severely beaten and placed in solitary confinement
for trying to hand over a petition regarding prison
conditions to an American delegation visiting Drapchi
Prison.
Rinzin Wangyal
(alias Rinwang) is a 57 year-old, former cement factory
worker. He was first arrested in 1966 or 1967 for
allegedly organising an underground movement. He was
imprisoned in Drapchi Prison where he was regularly
tortured and interrogated by the prison authorities. He
was released from Drapchi in 1982 or 1983. Wangyal was
re-arrested in August 1995, suspected of being involved in
a movement aimed at disrupting the anniversary celebrations
for the founding of "Tibet Autonomous Region," which was to
be held on September 1, 1995. Intermediate People's Court
of Lhasa reportedly sentenced Wangyal on December 13, 1996
to 20 years' imprisonment. He is currently being held in
Drapchi Prison. His wife Sonam, who is critically ill,
has made repeated appeals to see her husband in prison
fearing that she may die before seeing him. Her pleas have
been ignored.
Atsak,
Jampa Tenkyong,
Jampa Lodroe,
Pasang Tsegye,
Tenzin Gelek,
Yonten Gyalpo,
Lobsang Wangchuk,
Lobsang
Dawa,
Kunchok Dhondup,
Phuntsok Dhondup,
Tasang Norbu,
and
Yeshi Rabgyal,
are monks from Gaden Monastery who were
arrested on May 7, 1996. On May 7, 1996, the "work team"
ordered the Gaden Monastery to take down all photos of the
Dalai Lama. This order was met with strong protests from
the monks who refused to follow the order. The protest
resulted in a fight between the "work team" and the monks.
In the scuffle, two Chinese police officials and two monks
were injured. As the situation worsened, the monks ran up
the hills surrounding the monastery, and in self-defence
hurled down rocks at the Chinese officials. It is believed
that two monks were shot dead, while over 41 were arrested
in the ensuing police fire. Atsak, Phuntsok Dhondup,
Lobsang Wangchuk, and Tasang Norbu were sentenced to
ten years' imprisonment. Tenzin Gelek, Yonten Gyalpo,
Lobsang Dawa, and Kunchok Dhondup were sentenced to
twelve years' imprisonment. Yeshi Rabgyal, Jampa Lodroe,
and Jampa Tenkyong were sentenced to fifteen years'
imprisonment. Lobsang Dawa died at the age of 31 on May 20,
1999, due to the torture in prison. The remaining monks are
serving their prison sentences at Drapchi Prison.
Chime Dorjee,
Lobsang Palden,
Lobsang Jinpa,
Jampa Tashi,
and
Lobsang Tsegyal,
were sentenced for
"counter-revolutionary propaganda and incitements" by the
Pashoe Intermediate People's Court. At about mid-night
on March 29, 1994, the five monks from Serwa Monastery,
went to the headquarters of the Lingkha District People's
Government in Pashoe County. From the main gate of
the headquarters, they removed the two nameplates,
which were inscribed "Party People's Government" and
"District People's Government" respectively. They broke
the nameplates into pieces and threw the nameplate with
the inscription "Party People's Government" to the ground.
On the walls of the building they put up posters reading
"May His Holiness the Dalai Lama Live for Ten Thousand
Years" and "Tibet is an Independent Country." At the
bottom of these posters, the monks put their names and
thumb impressions with the remark, "We are from Serwa
Monastery."
The monks then walked from Lingkha District to Pashoe
County where they met Lobsang, the Party Secretary of
Lingkha District. Lobsang was, apparently, on his way to
inform the County authorities about the activities of the
five monks at the Lingkha District headquarters. But at
the moment of their meeting, the five monks demanded that
Lobsang take them to the County headquarters in his vehicle
as they were going to stage a demonstration there. Lobsang
felt he had no choice and let the monks in. When they
were about to reach the County headquarters, the five
monks put up posters on the walls of the government and
military offices, saying "Tibet is an Independent Country,"
and began shouting slogans. With the five monks still in,
the vehicle was then driven straight into the compound of
the County PSB.
In order to make a public example of the monks, the
five monks were kept in aerial suspension at the gate of
the County PSB, tied only by their thumbs. During the
interrogation, when the police demanded to know who among
them led the slogan shouting, they all shouted in unison
to claim the responsibility themselves. The five monks
were tried and sentenced to twelve and fifteen year prison
sentences. Chime Dorjee, Lobsang Jinpa, and Lobsang Tsegyal
received a 15-year sentence, Jampa Tashi and Lobsang Palden
were sentenced to 12 years. Chime Dorjee is serving his
sentence in Drapchi Prison, and the others are serving
their sentences in Powo Tramo.
Gyaltsen Dolkar,
lay name Dawa, is a 28 year-old nun from Garu Nunnery. She
was arrested on August 21, 1990 for shouting slogans of
"Free Tibet" and "Chinese quit Tibet" during an opera
festival in the Norbulingka Palace in Lhasa, along with
12 other nuns from the same nunnery. On November 30, 1990,
Dolkar was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with one
year's deprivation of political rights. In 1994, while
serving her sentence, Dolkar and 13 other nuns recorded
pro-independence songs and messages to their families on
a tape recorder smuggled into Drapchi Prison. As a result
she was charged with "spreading counter-revolutionary
propaganda" and her sentence was extended an additional
eight years. Dolkar is presently serving her sentence at
Drapchi Prison. She will have spent 12 years' imprisonment
by the time she is released at the age of 31.
Jampel Jangchub,
lay name Yugal, is a 33 year-old monk from Drepung
Monastery. He took part in pro-independence demonstrations
in Lhasa in September 1987 and April 1989. He was arrested
on April 16, 1989; however his sentence papers issued on
January 7, 1990, states his official date of arrest as
September 13, 1989. At a mass sentencing rally in Lhasa on
November 1989, Jangchub was among a group of five Tibetans
who received sentences of 17 and 19 years' imprisonment
for independence activities. Jangchub was charged
with ‘espionage’ and ‘organising or leading/actively
participating in a counter-revolutionary group,’ advocating
Tibetan independence. In 1989, Jangchub was sentenced
to 19 years’ imprisonment with five years deprivation of
political rights. He is presently in Drapchi Prison.
Jigme Gyatso,
35 years old, was a businessman before his arrest. Gyatso
was a monk of Gaden Monastery in Lhasa, before becoming
a businessman. In the mid-1980s, Gyatso briefly visited
India to receive a religious initiation. Upon his
return to Tibet in 1987, he joined Gaden Monastery where
he became involved in pro-independence activities. He
distributed independence leaflets and pasted posters
on the walls around Gaden Monastery and nearby Lhasa
City. Between 1988 and 1989, Gyatso was the leader of
a secret youth organisation named the "Association of
Tibetan Freedom Movement." In 1992, he organised one of
the demonstrations that took place in Lhasa. Many of the
demonstrators were arrested and detained by the PSB and the
officials of the anti-riot department. He was not arrested
at that time although officials of PSB suspected he was
involved and kept him under strict surveillance. Gyatso
was finally arrested on March 30, 1996; however he was
not formally tried until May 1997. During the trial,
Gyatso accepted all the charges against him. The court
asked him if he regretted his deeds and he replied, "No,
my acts are peaceful and non-violent." Gyatso was sentenced
to 15 years' imprisonment on charges of "disseminating
counter-revolutionary propaganda", "incitement", and having
illegally formed the organisation called "Association of
Tibetan Freedom Movement." Gyatso is currently serving
his sentence in Drapchi Prison.
Jigme Yangchen,
a 29 year-old from Lhokha Prefecture, was a nun at Shugseb
Nunnery. She is currently serving a 12-year prison term
in Drapchi Prison. On August 28, 1990, she was arrested
for participating in a pro-independence demonstration
in the Barkhor area in Lhasa City, along with 14 other
Shugseb nuns. She was sentenced to seven years. While
in Drapchi Prison, Yangchen was involved in a recording
of songs and poems on a tape recorder smuggled into the
prison. As a result, her sentence was extended by an
additional five years on October 8, 1993; bringing her
prison term to a total of 12 years. Jigme is reported to
be in an extremely poor health condition.
Lhundrup Dorjee,
Sonam Dorjee,
Sonam Rinchen,
and
Kunchok Lodroe
are farmers from Dasher, a village in the Medrogungkar
district, disrupted a political "re-education" meeting
in the village of Meldro Gyama Trikhang, Medrogungkar,
on June 30, 1992. The four farmers rushed the stage,
seized the microphone, wrestled with officials, shouted
pro-independence and anti-Chinese statements, and unfurled
a Tibetan flag. After the original four demonstrators were
dragged away and beaten by the PAP, some 100 villagers
joined the shouting. The Intermediate People's Court of
Lhasa finally sentenced the four farmers on October 20,
1992. Kunchok Lodroe, Sonam Dorjee, and Sonam Rinchen, all
23 years old, were sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment
and four years subsequent deprivation of political
rights. Lhundrup Dorjee, 23 years old, was severely injured
during the protest received a 15-year prison sentence and
five years deprivation of political rights. Except for
Kunchok Lodroe, who was released on medical parole in 1996,
the other three remain in Drapchi Prison.
Lobsang Sherap,
Lobsang Tsultrim,
and
Lobsang Tsering
are three monks of Drongsar Monastery in Pashoe County,
Chamdo Prefecture. They were sentenced to 15 years'
imprisonment for breaking and pulling down the nameplate
with the inscription "Pashoe People's Government" in Pashoe
County and for putting up wall posters which read "We will
never accept the boy chosen by Chinese authorities as the
reincarnation of the late Panchen Lama, Long Live Panchen
Lama reincarnation recognised by His Holiness the Dalai
Lama and we will continue to oppose the Chinese rule in
Tibet." PSB in Pashoe County and PAP first arrested the
three monks on August 2, 1995. After their arrest, they
were first imprisoned in Pashoe County Prison for one
month. Later they were taken to Chamdo and incarcerated
for an additional two months. After their sentencing,
they were transferred to Drapchi Prison in Lhasa.
Namdrol Lhamo
and
Ngawang Choezom
are from Chubsang Nunnery, and Ngawang Lochoe is from
Samdrup Dolma Lhakhang Nunnery. The three nuns were
arrested on May 12, 1992 and sentenced to six years (Lhamo)
and five years (Lochoe and Choezom) in Drapchi Prison. In
February 1994, all three nuns participated in recording
Tibetan independence songs on a tape. On the tape, each
nun announced their names and then dedicated a song or
poem to their families, friends, or supporters. Lhamo
had her prison sentence increased by an additional six
years; making her total prison sentence 12 years. Lochoe's
prison sentence was increased by an additional five years,
bringing her total sentence to 11 years. Choezom's prison
sentence was increased by six years bringing her total
sentence to 11 years. All three nuns are presently in
Drapchi Prison.
Ngawang Choekey,
a nun from Sumdrup Dolma Lhakhang Nunnery,
is presently serving 13 years in Drapchi Prison.
On May 14, 1992,
Choekey and five other nuns were arrested for taking
part in a demonstration the day before. All six nuns
were sentenced to five years' imprisonment. They were
detained at Gutsa Detention Centre, and then transferred to
Drapchi after their sentencing. While in Drapchi Prison,
Choekey and 13 other nuns recorded a tape of music for
their families, friends and supports. The smuggled tape
contained the nuns' names. Choekey's prison sentence was
increased by eight years, bringing her total sentence to
13 years.
Ngawang Choephel,
a 34 year-old monk, from Ghemo Monastery in Lithang County
in Kandze "TAP", Sichuan Province, was arrested on August
20, 1993 and sentenced in 1996 to 10 years. Unconfirmed
reports say he is detained in Lithang County Prison.
Ngawang Gyaltsen,
lay name Ngodup Gyaltsen, a 40 year-old monk of Drepung
Monastery is originally from Toelung Dechen County,
Lhasa Municipality. He was arrested on April 22, 1989,
on charges of participating in criminal activities,
"engaging in espionage", and illegally crossing the
national boarder. He was sentenced to 17 years with five
years subsequent deprivation of political rights. He is
currently serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison.
Ngawang Pekar,
a 36 year-old monk from Drepung Monastery, was halfway
through an eight year sentence when his prison term was
extended by six years on March 31, 1996. In August 1995,
while in Drapchi Prison, Pekar was caught trying to smuggle
out a list of political prisoners and a document describing
human rights violations. Pekar, who was first arrested
on July 12, 1989 for putting up independence posters and
participating in a demonstration, is now serving a total
of 14 years in Drapchi Prison.
Ngawang Sungrab,
a 27 year-old Drepung monk from Phenpo, is serving 10
years for his participation in a peaceful demonstration
in 1991. He participated in the Drapchi protest in May
1998 and was shot by the prison officials, requiring
hospitalisation. He was reportedly taken to the "TAR"
military hospital in critical condition. It is believed
that he returned to Drapchi Prison shortly after
hospitalisation. On September 27, 1991, Sungrab along
with three other monks from Drepung Monastery initiated
a peaceful demonstration, marching from Lhasa Gamchung
Restaurant to the front of Tsuklakhang (central cathedral)
around 11 a.m. They carried the Tibetan National Flag and
started shouting slogans like: "Tibet is a free country,"
"Chinese get out of Tibet," and "Long Live His Holiness
the Dalai Lama." As soon as they reached the garden in
front of the Tsuklakhang, 15 PSB officials arrested them
and severely beat them. The four were later taken to the
PSB Detention Centre in Lhasa where they were interrogated
and tortured. Afterwards, they were transferred to Gutsa
Detention Centre and detained for more than two months.
Ngawang Tensang,
a 29 year-old monk from Drepung Monastery, Lhasa,
was arrested on September 14, 1991 and sentenced to 10
years. He is presently in Drapchi Prison.
Ngawang Tsamdrol,
from Nyengon Nunnery, along with five other nuns were
arrested on May 14, 1992 for taking part in a demonstration
the preceding day. The nuns were first detained at Gutsa
Detention Centre, and then later transferred to Drapchi
Prison after sentencing. Tsamdrol was sentenced to five
years' imprisonment. While in prison, Tsamdrol and 13 other
nuns took part in recording a tape that was smuggled into
the prison. The tape contained songs and poems dedicated
to families, friends, and supporters. Tsamdrol’s sentence
was increased by an additional five years bringing her
total prison sentence to ten years.
Ngawang Woeser,
lay name Jamyang, 26 years old from Dranang County
in Lhokha Prefecture, was accused of being the "main
culprit" in an organisation called the Organisation of
Ten, a "counter-revolutionary clique," and accused of
spreading propaganda. Woeser was arrested on April 16,
1989 and sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment with five
years deprivation of political rights. He is presently in
Drapchi Prison.
Pasang,
22 years old, and three other monks from Jang Taglung
Monastery in Lhundrup County, were arrested in November
1993. The four monks staged a demonstration in Lhasa
carrying the Tibetan national flag and calling for
Tibet's independence. The four went in a procession,
circumambulating the Barkhor. The local police arrested
them and handed them to the Lhasa City PSB. They were
detained for five or six months in Gutsa Detention Centre.
While in Gutsa, they were tortured, including having cold
water splashed on their bodies during the cold winter
and their bodies jabbed with electric batons. After
their sentencing they were then transferred to Drapchi
Prison. Except for Pasang, who was sentenced to 11 years,
the details of the other sentences are not known.
Phuntsok Nyidron
is a 30 year-old nun from Michungri Nunnery. She is
currently being held in Drapchi Prison and serving a
sentence of 17 years. She was first arrested on October
14, 1989 for leading a demonstration in Lhasa's Barkhor
area calling for an end to Chinese occupation in Tibet.
In an article published in the Tibet Daily, Nyidron was
described as "the ringleader." She was given a sentence
of nine years. In Drapchi Prison, she participated in
the recording of songs and poems on a smuggled tape
recorder. Her sentence was extended by eight years,
bringing her total sentence to 17 years' imprisonment. In
1995, Nyidron was awarded the Reebok Human Rights Award.
Phuntsok Samten
and
a fellow monk
from Tashi Gang Monastery were arrested on September 4,
1991 for participating in a peaceful demonstration. Samten
was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment at Drapchi
Prison. His friend was sentenced to five years and was
released after completing his sentence.
Rinzin Choekyi,
a 26 year-old nun, was arrested with five other nuns
from Shugseb Nunnery, on August 28, 1990. The six
nuns were arrested for participating in a peaceful
demonstration at the Barkhor in Lhasa. The nuns shouted
slogans of "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama",
"Free Tibet", and "Chinese quit Tibet" on the streets of
the Barkhor. They were immediately arrested by the PSB
and taken to a detention centre located east of Lhasa.
There the nuns were severely beaten by the authorities, and
routinely interrogated. During each interrogation period,
the nuns faced humiliation, beatings, and punishments. The
officials constantly harassed them, by asking them the same
questions repeatedly while beating them. In January 1991,
the Lhasa People's Intermediate Court sentenced Choekyi
to seven years' imprisonment. In February 1993, while
still in prison, Choekyi participated in the recording
songs and poems on a tape smuggled into the prison.
The recording expressed devotion to the Dalai Lama, and
messages to families, friends, and supporters. Choekyi's
sentence was extended by five years for this activity,
bringing her total sentence to 12 years. She is currently
in Drapchi Prison.
Sholpa Dawa,
a 58 year-old tailor in Lhasa, was sentenced in November
1996, after spending almost 14 months in detention without
charges. Dawa was arrested for the third time in Lhasa in
early August 1995 for engaging in "political activities."
Dawa was charged with handing three "reactionary"
documents over to the "Dalai Clique," and sentenced to
nine years' imprisonment and three years deprivation of
political rights. Dawa was first arrested on September 29,
1981 and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and
one year deprivation of political rights for allegedly
distributing pamphlets on the independence of Tibet. He
spent six months in Gutsa Detention Centre and one and a
half years in Sangyip Prison. On November 8, 1985 he was
arrested for the second time for distributing pamphlets
about the deteriorating living conditions for Tibetans
and was sentenced to four years in Sangyip Prison and
one year deprivation of political rights. By the time he
is released, Dawa will have spent a total of 16 years in
prison for expressing his views.
Sonam Dhondup
and
Tseten,
monks from Nalanda Monastery were arrested in March 5,
1995 and sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment. Dhondup, then
21 years old and Tseten, 23 years old printed a booklet
on Tibet and stitched a Tibetan national flag. Dhondup,
Tseten, and two other monks went to a place called Thang
to distribute the booklets. While they were there, Chinese
officials overheard them talking about the distribution,
and reported it to their supervisor. The next day, the
officials raided the rooms of the monks and discovered
the booklets and the national flag in Dhondup's room. Soon
afterwards, some forty monks from Nalanda Monastery were
arrested in connection with the printing and distribution
of the booklets and thirty monks were expelled from
the monastery. Dhondup and the other three monks were
taken to Gutsa Detention Center, and during interrogation
Dhondup said that he had taken the lead in the booklet
distribution plan. As a result he was sentenced to 12
years' imprisonment in Drapchi Prison. Tseten was also
sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment in Drapchi Prison. The
other two monks were sentenced to six years.
Tenpa Wangdrak,
lay name Sonam, a 53 year-old former monk of Gaden
Monastery was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment in 1991
for attempting, while in Drapchi Prison, to hand over a
petition regarding prison conditions to James Lilley, then
U.S. Ambassador to China. Wangdrak was originally arrested
on March 7, 1988 for participating in a demonstration. On
April 28, 1991 he was moved to Powo Tramo Prison in Pome
County in Kongpo (Ch:Nyintri) Prefecture, and was held in
Dhamchu, a unit within the prison complex.
Tenzin Thupten,
lay name Dawa Yangchen, a nun from Michungri Nunnery,
was arrested for participating in a short demonstration
during the Shoton festival (Tibetan opera festival) along
with eight nuns from Michungri Nunnery and five nuns
from Garu Nunnery. Thupten was taken to Gutsa Detention
Centre and sentenced to five years by the Intermediate
People’s Court of Lhasa before being transferred to Drapchi
Prison. Thupten, along with 13 other nuns participated in
the recording of songs and poems on a smuggled tape. Her
sentence was increased by nine years making her total
sentence 14 years.
Thupten Yeshi
was detained on July 6, 1992, after security officers and
legal cadres from Lhasa arrived in his village to search
the houses of those individuals who had prior arrest
convictions. Although he did not take part in a protest
that year, he received a 15-year sentence and five years
deprivation of political rights on charges of "cooperating
with the demonstrators." Yeshi was formally arrested on
August 14, 1992, for making three pro-independence posters
that attacked the socialist system, opposed the socialist
ideological education, and encouraged peasants to rebel. In
June, Yeshi and a friend apparently discussed plans to
hoist a Tibetan flag from the local government offices,
offences that constituted "spreading propaganda regarding
incitement to revolution." Yeshi is presently serving his
sentence in Drapchi Prison.
Yeshi Ngawang
was a monk at Sungrabling Monastery in Chideshol in
Lhoka Prefecture. On March 10, 1989, at the age of 21,
Ngawang and five monks planned to put up independent
posters to commemorate the March 10th uprising of 1959.
The six monks wrote freedom slogans such as "Chinese get
out of Tibet", "long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama"
and "Free Tibet" on eight posters. They then pasted the
posters next to the gate and surrounding walls near the
office of the People's government of Kyimshe township. They
also wrote freedom slogans with red paint on the gate. On
March 15, 1989, while Ngawang and two other monks pasted
three posters in the market place of Chideshol township,
the other three monks kept watch for policemen patrolling
in the night. Although they managed to get back to their
monastery, a patrolman observed their activities. As a
result, on March 17, 1989, Gongkar County PSB officials
came to the monastery, ransacked the rooms of the six
monks, and found all the instruments used to make the
posters. Ngawang was arrested from his monastery on April
20, 1989, and brought before the Lhokha Intermediate
People's Court on October 30, 1989. Ngawang and the
other five monks were charged with "counter-revolutionary"
propaganda, and sentenced to five years' imprisonment with
three years deprivation of political rights. On April 20
1993, at the time of prison visits, Ngawang reportedly
handed over an entire list of political prisoners and
the prison conditions in Drapchi to his visiting family.
Prison officials discovered his actions, and he was placed
in solitary confinement for one month. He was charged with
"leaking state secrets" and his sentence was extended by
another nine years, bringing his total sentence to fourteen
years. Ngawang is expected to be released in 2003.
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