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Appendix 1: Cases of Known Arrests

New Political Prisoners Placed in Detention in 2000

Case 1.1: Eight monks from Rating Monastery in Lhundrup County, Lhasa Municipality, were arrested on 17 May 2000 when they protested against Beijing's selection of the reincarnation of the sixth Rating Rinpoche. On 16 January 2000, the Chinese government declared a boy named Lodroe Gyatso (lay name Sonam Phuntsok) as the seventh Rating Rinpoche. The eight monks were detained under suspicions of "plotting to kill the reincarnate boy". There are unconfirmed reports that these monks might be detained in Taktse County or Gutsa Detention Centre. The names and details of the arrested monks are not known.

Case 1.2: Jamyang Tashi (28), Tenpa (35), Tsultrim Jinpa (25), Tsering Chonden (22), and Yeshi Nyima (25) are five monks from Thenthok Monastery, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", who were arrested on 2 May 2000. The monks pasted pro-independence posters on the walls of the monastery reading "Tibet is Independent". These posters appeared after a 30 member "work team" from Chamdo Religious Department visited the monastery to conduct a "patriotic re-education" session on 1 May 2000. During the session, three monks were severely beaten and one monk sustained broken ribs while Tashi Rabten, the treasurer of the monastery, died under mysterious circumstances. PSB officials from Dzogang County in collaboration with local officials conducted a joint investigation, resulting in the five arrests. All five monks are currently incarcerated in Dzogang County Detention Centre. On 3 May 2000, the PSB officials announced that heavy prison sentences would be imposed on anyone who dares to blame local officials for the death of Tashi Rabten. Fearing a possible outbreak of violence, local authorities deployed more forces and tightened security in the area. About 20 civilians were also reported to have been detained in Dzogang County Detention Centre on 3 May 2000 as an additional security measure.

Case 1.3: Tashi Phuntsok, a 29-year-old from Karma Kunsang Village in Dechen Township, Taktse County in Lhasa Municipality was arrested by Taktse County PSB in July 2000. Phuntsok was arrested under the suspicion of writing and distributing pro-independence leaflets during the Dalai Lama's birthday in Taktse County. PSB officers reportedly discovered that Phuntsok was responsible for the leaflets and subsequently arrested him. His present condition and whereabouts is not known. Tashi Phuntsok is the deputy head of Dechen Township.

Case 1.4: In March 2000, at least eight people were arrested from Sog County in Nagchu Prefecture on charges of carrying out political activities. Additional information from another source indicates that four people were arrested at a later stage although the date of their arrest still remains unclear. Five of the eight people reported to have been arrested earlier were monks of Sog Tsendhen Monastery and the other three were lay people from the county. They were arrested on two different dates although the charges were identical. On the night of 17 March 2000, Yeshi Tenzin (32) and Gyurmey (28) were arrested, beaten and compelled to reveal the names of their accomplices. Two days later on 19 March 2000, three monks, Tenzin Choewang (63), Namgyal Sopa (26), and an unidentified monk, and three lay people - Diru Dadak (36), Tsering Lhagon (40), and Sonam Choephel (83) (alias Serpa Sichoe) - were arrested. The eight were alleged with engaging in political activities and linked to pasting pro-independence posters in Sog County. According to an unofficial source, all were taken to Sog County PSB office and later transferred to Lhasa Intelligence Bureau. Since their detention at the "TAR" Intelligence Bureau, they have neither been seen nor their family members have been informed about their whereabouts and conditions.

Other information indicates that, Khedrup, Thupten Tsering, Thutop and Yeshi from 3rd village, Yong Nang Township, Sog County, were arrested in May 2000. They all were reportedly arrested under suspicious grounds of involvement in political activities. Details of their arrest are unclear.

Cases of Arrests from Previous Years

These cases of arrests have occurred prior to 2000, but the information of these arrests was not received by TCHRD until this year.

1999 Arrest Update

Case 1.5: Bangri Tsamtrul Rinpoche, director of Gyatso Institute for Orphans in Lhasa City, was arrested sometime in 1999. Rinpoche, along with four staff members, and his wife, Nyima Chodon were arrested and the school was closed down. The four staff were Gadhe Gya (30), English language teacher; Dawa Dhondup (35), Tibetan language teacher; Gelek Nyima (30) and thanka (Tibetan art of painting) painting teacher; and Dawa. This private school established in May 1996, was attended by approximately 40 students from all areas in the region.

Case 1.6: Bhuga, a monk of Chamdo Monastery in Chamdo County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", was reportedly arrested in 1999 on charges of pasting 'Free Tibet' posters in his monastery. He is believed to be detained in a prison in Lhasa, but no further information is available at this time.

Case 1.7: Dukar, 27 years old, from Bayan Khar Hui Autonomous County (Ch: Hualong Hui) in Tsoshar "TAP", Qinghai Province, was arrested in December 1999 for his alleged involvement in guiding Tibetans across the border into India. He is believed to have been detained for at least six months where he underwent intensive interrogation at the hands of PSB officials.

Case 1.8: Gonpo Ludrup is a 24-year-old monk from Kandze Monastery in Kandze County, Sichuan Province. He was arrested in June 1999 after "work team" members searched his room and found the forbidden Tibetan national flag. Ludrup reportedly pasted independence leaflets in the monastery. Subsequently, Ludrup was taken to Kandze Detention Centre and interrogated, where he was held for three months. It is reported that he was later transferred, but no information is available on his current place of detention.

Case 1.9: Gyalpo is a 32-year-old monk from Kandze Monastery, Kandze County, Sichuan Province. On 30 May 1999, Gyalpo and his friend (name unknown) pasted pro-independence posters in Kandze County. On 1 July 1999 "work team" members arrived at the monastery to check the handwriting of all the monks which led to the arrest of Gyalpo. During his three months detention in Kandze CDC, Gyalpo reportedly sustained severe injuries, including damage to his ribs. His relatives were prohibited from visiting him during his detention. Later he was apparently transferred to an unknown location.

Case 1.10: Jampa Dhedrol (23) and Ngawang Dolma (24) are from Michungri Nunnery near Lhasa. The two nuns had earlier served five-year sentences from 1993 for participating in a pro-independence demonstration in Lhasa. The two nuns were sentenced to two years imprisonment in May 1999 by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court on alledged charges of poster pasting incident in the nunnery. They are currently serving their prison term in Trisam Re-education through Labour Centre in Lhasa City.

Case 1.11: Palden Sangpo, 23 years old from Kawasumdo (Ch:Tongde) County, Tsolho (Ch:Hainan) "TAP", Qinghai Province, was arrested by Chinese border police while returning to Tibet from India in August 1999. Palden Sangpo was subsequently detained in Nyari Detention Centre in Shigatse Prefecture and still continues to be detained without any formal charges.

Case 1.12: Tashi Nyima is a 23-year-old monk of Kandze Monastery, Shesha Township in Kandze County, Sichuan Province. He was arrested by the Kandze PSB officials in September 1999, for pasting independence posters in Kandze. His present whereabouts is not known.

Case 1.13: Tsewang, a 22-year-old from Karang Township in Do-wi Salar Autonomous County (Ch: Xunhua) County, Tsoshar "TAP", Qinghai Province, was arrested on 14 June 1999 after PAP officials suspected him of guiding Tibetan escapees into exile. His home was searched, and the officials discovered pictures of the Dalai Lama, political leaflets and some political audiocassettes. At that time, reports indicated that he was detained in Beijing Road Police Station in Lhasa.

Case 1.14: Yang Bhu Gyal, 32-year-old from Rebkong County, Malho (Ch: Huangnan) "TAP" in Qinghai Province, was arrested by seven PSB officials in January 1999 on charges of guiding Tibetans into India. He was detained for five months in Ngachen Police Station in Lhasa until June 1999 after which he was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court. Not only was he denied access to lawyers during the trial but his present whereabouts is unknown.

1998 Arrest Update

Case 1.15: Lobsang Jamyang is a 40-year-old driver from Ngaba County, Ngaba "TAP" in Sichuan Province. He was arrested in August 1998 and was kept under house arrest for three years. Jamyang was also detained on three separate occasions. The first was for three months after authorities found him in possession of books and photos of the Dalai Lama. He was a driver from Lhasa to Dram at that time, and had visited the border to obtain some information. He was detained for the second time with Gonpo Nara in July 1997 for forming the Dedication Association which was formed with the intent to distribute speeches and other materials of the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan public inside Tibet. They were released that time due to lack of evidence against them. He was arrested for the third time in August 1998, after police came to Gonpo's house and seized all the organisation's materials. At the trial, Lobsang was unable to appear due to the severe beatings he sustained while being interrogated. As a result of these beatings, one of his legs is paralysed. He was tried and sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

Case 1.16: Lobsang Lhundup (25) and four other monks from Sog Tsendhen Monastery, Nagchu Prefecture, "TAR", were arrested in July 1998 for pasting pro-independence posters around Sog County. The other four monks were released in 1999. Lobsang is from Yang-nang Township of Sog County, and is believed to be presently detained in Nagchu Prison.

1996 Arrest Update

Case 1.17: Dawa Dorjee (31) and Tenzin Dorjee (23) from Nagchu County, Nagchu Prefecture, "TAR", were arrested by Nagchu PSB in 1996 for allegedly pasting pro-independence posters in his county. Dawa and Tenzin were detained in Nagchu Region Detention Centre for several months and at the end of 1996, Nagchu Region Intermediate People's Court passed a sentence of 18 years' and 13 years' imprisonment respectively. In 1997, they were transferred to Drapchi Prison. Dorjee was a staff member in a bank in Nagchu County.

Case 1.18: Dingang Rinpoche, 30-year-old, was arrested in 1996 after visiting India. He was put in Ngari Detention Centre for one year before being transferred to an unknown location. Rinpoche went to India to receive recognition by the Dalai Lama. Upon his return to Tibet, he was arrested and severely tortured. His current whereabouts is not known.

Case 1.19: Jampel Sangye is a 35-year-old monk of Rating Monastery in Lhundrup County, Lhasa Municipality. He was arrested in December 1996 on charges of possessing prohibited audiotapes and detained in Trisam Detention Centre for one year. He was released in December 1997.

Case 1.20: Yeshi Tenzin, a 17-year-old from Chithang Township, Drayab County in Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", was arrested in March 1996 for pasting independence posters in Chamdo Village. Chamdo Intermediate People's Court sentenced Yeshi to five years' imprisonment and transferred him to Drapchi Prison.

1993 Arrest Update

Case 1.21: Ngawang Tenzin, lay name Phurbu Tsering, 25 years old, is a monk of Kyomolung Monastery, Toelung Dechen County in Lhasa Municipality. He was arrested with a fellow monk from the same monastery, Ngawang Lamchung, lay name Dawa, 27 years old. The two monks staged a peaceful pro-independence demonstration in the Barkhor area of Lhasa City on 19 December 1992 andthey were immediately arrested by police. On 12 July 1993, Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court sentenced Ngawang Tenzin and Ngawang Lamchung to two and five years' imprisonment respectively. Both were transferred to Drapchi Prison but Ngawang Tenzin was released on 18 December 1994.

Case 1.22: Additional information on the Drapchi Prison protest. TCHRD has received additional information about the Drapchi Prison protest in May 1998. Drapchi Prison authorities planned a ceremony marking the International Labour Day. Prior to the occasion, nuns in new rukhag # 3 were informed that they would have to sing 'patriotic' songs in favour of Mao and Socialism. Many prisoners resented this plan as they feared it might become a ritual if was allowed to happen for the first time.

At about 10 am on 1 May, except for the prisoners of old rukhag # 3 and 5, all the rest of the prisoners, including the new rukhag # 3 and 5 were summoned to the main prison courtyard. There were approximately 900 prisoners assembled that day.

The programme commenced with the prisoners singing pro-Chinese songs (Socialism is Good) which was followed by flag-raising ceremony. Criminal prisoners who reportedly threw political leaflets in the air started the initial shouting. The female and the male political prisoners immediately took part. Warning shots were fired in the air and the female political prisoners were subdued individually by officers who were lined up accordingly prior to the start of the function. The prisoners were immediately separated, the nuns beaten with plastic tubes or hoses filled with sand, belt buckles and rifle butts. They were also jabbed with electric shocks all over their bodies. This was carried out individually for three hours.

After the initial beating ceased, 16 nuns were randomly taken away to be put in solitary confinement cells. According to a former political prisoner from the same unit, "The solitary confinement cells were packed and could not house more, otherwise, the officers would have taken more." The nuns were kept there for seven months, except for three of them who were released before receiving sentence extensions.

After the 16 nuns were taken away, the rest were made to kneel on the hard concrete slab. Pema Bhuti, the principal official for rukhag # 3, is a key perpetrator of torture and beatings and is responsible for death and serious injuries of many female political prisoners in Drapchi. That day, she beat the nuns while they knelt in the courtyard. They were allowed to return to their cells only in the evening, and as further punishment, the nuns were made to sleep on the bare floor. That evening Chinese construction workers came to the prisonto convert the bathroom, shop and interrogation room into solitary confinement cells. Despite the beatings and the exhausted condition of the nuns, they nonetheless decided to launch a hunger strike that same evening.

Monday, 4 May 1998

On 4 May 1998, while the nuns continued with their hunger strike, the prison authorities made a second attempt at a celebration, this time for the International Youth Day. The same arrangements were made as for the previous occasion, however, this time with more security personnel to immediately crush any threat of a similar protest. There were 20 nuns from the new rukhag # 3 who were selected and forced to participate in the ceremony. Most of the nuns were very sick but they were almost dragged to the courtyard. The nuns from the old rukhag # 3 disrupted the ceremony by shouting slogans from their units from where they could view the courtyard. The nuns from the new rukhag # 3 did not join in, as they were too sick to shout. They were returned to their cells.

However, the nuns in old rukhag # 3 who could view the entire incident from their windows, started to break windows and shout. There was no consistent slogan as it was a sudden outburst and not planned, but it was not subdued immediately. It took the authorities almost half an hour before they could intervene. According to Norzin Wangmo who was in the old rukhag # 3 at the time, "there was no one who had been spared a beating that day. The beatings lasted until 2.30 pm from 11 in the morning. We were wearing light clothes that day. The nuns tried to cover their heads with their hands at the time of beating. The authorities thrashed us so viciously that everyone had a serious injury, a torn ear, peeled hands, large open cuts and blood everywhere. Pema Bhuti took it as a personal responsibility to beat everyone individually and later singled out some of those she had grudges on, for further beatings."

In the meantime, the nuns in new rukhag # 3 were locked in their cells. By the fifth day of the hunger strike, the nuns were showing signs of severe emaciation and none of them could stand up properly. When prison staff made the nuns sweep the floor, they did not even have the strength to lift a broom. By the sixth day, some of the nuns started vomitting blood and the weakest nuns were put on intravenous drips. The same day, a high-ranking official, who is in charge of all the prisons, tried to talk the nuns into eating but the nuns vehemently refused. Pema Bhuti (incharge of rukhag # 3 ) chided the nuns saying,"you are shouting because you have too much to eat and wear. It is your comfort speaking." The nuns replied that in actual fact, food was insufficient. The officer acknowledged that prison authorities "had made some mistakes." The officers' visit was successful in terminating the hunger strike. The Drapchi Protest claimed death of five nuns and sentence extensions for 28 political prisoners. The events in the male rukhag # 5 have not been included in this report. Following the incident, the female inmates in rukhag # 3 were under a complete lock down. The units had informers detained with the nuns who watched every move the nuns made or did not make. Visitation rights were also suspended although some former inmates report of visits as early as July 1998 which were highly scrutinised.

Profiles of Drapchi prisoners whose sentences were increased following the May Protests in Drapchi Prison in 1998. (28 cases)

Bhuchung (23) a monk from Jang Taglung Monastery in Lhundrup County in Lhasa Municipality, was arrested in November 1993 for participating in a pro-independence demonstration in Lhasa. The Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court sentenced Bhuchung to five years. Bhuchung had his term increased by two years.

Che Che (27), a nun from Gyabra Nunnery, Lhundrup County in Lhasa Municipality, was arrested on 15 February 1995 at the age of 22. She was arrested for participating in a demonstration and received a five-year prison term. Her sentence was increased by two years.

Chogdrup Dolma (lay name Namdrol) is 28 years old from Gyabra Nunnery in Lhundrup County in Lhasa Municipality. On 15 February 1995, along with 13 nuns from the same nunnery, Dolma participated in a pro-independence demonstration. She was sentenced to six years' imprisonment and received an additional five years increase in her sentence.

Choekyi Wangmo is a 25-year-old from Sharbumpa Nunnery, Lhundrup County, Lhasa Municipality. In June 1994, she participated in a demonstration in Lhasa and was sentenced to four years imprisonment. Due to her involvement in the May 1998 protest, her term was increased by a year and a half. She was released on 31 December 1999 and is currently with her parents at home. She is reportedly suffering from psychological effects of her time in prison.

Jangchup Dolma (lay name Palkyi) is a 29-year-old nun of Yangpachen Galo Nunnery, Damshung County, Lhasa Municipality. She participated in a freedom demonstration in February 1995 for which she was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and further increased by six years after the May 1998 protest which brings it to a total of 11 years.

Kadar, around 30 years of age from Kham, a non-political prisoner in Drapchi, who started the demonstration on 1 May 1998 had his sentence increased by nine years. He was initially serving a term of 13 years.

Ka Pasang (23) a monk of Jang Taglung Monastery, Lhundrup County, Lhasa Municipality was arrested in 1995 for participating in a demonstration in Lhasa. He was sentenced to five years' by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court and incarcerated in Drapchi prison. His sentence was increased from five to eight years after the May Drapchi protest.

Kongtrug (25) of Gaden Monastery and originally from Kongpo (Ch:Nyingchi) was arrested in May 1996 for opposing a "work team" and sentenced to five years. During his imprisonment in Drapchi Prison his prison term was increased by one year after demonstrating in Drapchi in May 1998.

Lhasang (23), a monk of Gonsar Monastery in Lhundrup County in Lhasa Municipality was arrested in 1995. He received a four years increase, bringing his total sentence to 10 years.

Logkud (25), a monk of Drepung Monastery near Lhasa was arrested by "work team" from his monastery. The Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court sentenced him to five years imprisonment. During his imprisonment in Drapchi Prison his sentence was increased by further four years.

Lobsang Gelek (25) is a former monk of Khangmar Monastery in Damshung County, Lhasa Municipality. He was arrested on 10 April 1995 and sentenced to five years' imprisonment by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court for reportedly participating in a demonstration in Lhasa. He received an additional four year sentence bringing his total sentence to nine years.

Lobsang Lungtok is a monk of Gaden Monastery and originally from Nyangdren Township in Lhasa Municipality. He was arrested on 20 March 1992 for participating in a demonstration in Lhasa and sentenced to seven years by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court. His sentence was increased by another one and a half year after the May Drapchi protest.

Ngawang Dorjee (22) is a monk of Gonsar Monastery in Lhundrup County in Lhasa Municipality. He was arrested in October 1994 for participating in a pro-independence demonstration and sentenced to five years by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court. His term was increased by three years.

Ngawang Ngonkhen (lay name kalsang Phuntsok) is 24-year-old of Tashigang Monastery, Nyethang Township, Chushur County, Lhasa Municipality. In February 1994, he was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for shouting pro-independence slogans in the Barkhor in Lhasa. Due to May Drapchi protest, he received an additional four years sentence.

Ngawang Tensang (lay name Penpa) is a 30-year-old monk of Drepung Monastery and is originally from Toelung Dechen County in Lhasa City. The Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court sentenced Ngawang to 10 years' imprisonment in September 1991 for participating in a demonstration in the Barkhor in Lhasa. His sentence was increased by five years after the May Drapchi protest.

Ngawang Sangdrol, 22-year-old nun of Garu Nunnery near Lhasa is the longest serving female political prisoner of Tibet. Her involvement in the Drapchi protest resulted in a four year increase in her prison term, bringing her total sentence to 21 years.

Ngawang Sungrab (lay name Dawa Tsering) a 32-year-old monk of Drepung Monastery situated 10 km west of Lhasa, and originally from Phenpo Lhundrup County was arrested on 27 September 1991. The Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court sentenced him to 10 years. He received an additional three and a half years following the May Drapchi protest.

Norbu Phuntsok is 22 years old from Jang Taglung Monastery, Lhundrup County, Lhasa Municipality. In 1995, the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court sentenced him to five years' imprisonment for reportedly taking part in a pro-independence movement . After the May Drapchi incident he received an additional three years sentence.

Passang (23), a monk of Phagmo Monastery in Lhundrup County in Lhasa Municipality was arrested in 1995 and sentenced to five years in Drapchi prison. He had his term increased by four years.

Phuntsok Rigchog (lay name Migmar) is a 37-year-old of Tashi Gang Monastery in Chusur County in Lhasa Municipality. On 31 May 1994, along with six monks from the same monastery. Rigchog initiated a demonstration. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment in Drapchi Prison. He received an additional four years term.

Sonam Choephel (commonly known as Nagril) a monk of Khangmar Monastery in Damshung County in Lhasa Municipality was arrested on 10 April 1995, for participating in a demonstration in the Barkhor in Lhasa. Sonam was sentenced to four years by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court. His sentence was increased by three years.

Sonam Tsering (25), a monk of Kartsel Monastery in Meldro Gungkar County in Lhasa Municipality, was arrested in March 1995 for allegedly pasting independence posters in Gongkar City. The Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court sentenced him to eight years imprisonment. He received an additional two years sentence.

Tenzin (27) is a monk of Dargey Choede Monastery in Dranang County in Lhoka Prefecture, Lhasa Municipality. He was arrested in June 1995 for pasting independence posters in the monastery and sentenced to four years by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court. His term was increased by three years.

Tharpa, an 18-year-old monk of Phurchok Monastery in Meldro Gungkar County, Lhasa Municipality was arrested on 2 July 1994 for allegedly taking part in a pro-independence demonstration in Lhasa. The Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court sentenced him to five years' imprisonment with an increased sentence of two more years.

Tsephel (64), is a monk of Serwa Monastery in Pashoe County in Chamdo Prefecture. He was arrested in 1997 and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment. His sentence was increased by two years.

Tsering Phuntsok (34), a former monk of Gaden Monastery, Lhasa, was arrested in 1992 and sentenced to seven years by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court for taking part in a pro-independence demonstration. His term was increased by one and a half years after the May Drapchi protest.

Wangdue a 24-year-old of Dechen Sa-ngnak Monastery in Taktse County, Lhasa Municipality was sentenced to four years' imprisonment in December 1994. He received another four years sentence for his involvement in the May Drapchi Protest.

Yeshi Jinpa (20), a monk of Sungrabling Monastery in Gongkar County in Lhokha Prefecture, "TAR", was arrested on 28 June 1993 and sentenced to five years by the Lhoka Intermediate People's Court. His term was increased by five years bringing his total years of imprisonment to 10 years.

Case 1.23: Updated Information on Kandze Protest. Nine Tibetans who were arrested during the mass demonstration in Kandze (Ch: Ganzi) on 31 October 1999 had their sentences extended by additional five years, bringing their total sentences to ten years. The names of seven Tibetans who were arrested for participating in the peaceful protest in Kandze are Chime Tsering, Jampa Sod, Chemi Gyaltsen, Ani-Khalu, Pema Phutsok (Pemo Tso), Sonam Yeshi, and Tsewang Wangdu.

On 31 October 1999, approximately 3000 Tibetans, including these seven, demonstrated in front of Kandze County People's Government and Kandze Detention Centre. The protestors were demanding the release of Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, Sonam Choephel, and Agya Tsering who were arrested on 24 October 1999. The demonstration was quelled by PSB, who openly fired on the unarmed demonstrators. At least ten Tibetans were reported to have been arrested on 31 October 1999, and the Kandze County People's Court initially sentenced nine people to five years' imprisonment in February 2000. The nine Tibetans were paraded around their village to intimidate the other Tibetans with the threat of similar consequences.

A reliable source confirmed that soon after the recently concluded 56th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, the prison term of the nine Tibetans who were arrested during the mass demonstration in Kandze on 31 October 1999 were further raised by five years. Following are the names of seven Tibetans (out of the nine): Chemi Tsering (56) and Pema Tso (55) from Re-go; Jampa Sod (38) from Sa-dhu; Chemi Gyaltsen (33) from Shigatse; Sonam Yeshi (32) from Khar-ghang; Ani-Khalu (35) from Golo; and Bhe-she Tsewang Wangdu (43) from Dhura.

According to a reliable source, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok is still being detained in the Kandze PSB Detention Centre without any formal sentence. On 22 May 2000, Kandze PSB charged Geshe Sonam Phuntsok with four crimes; inciting people to split the country; illegal travel to India in 1996 to meet with the Dalai Lama and having a picture taken with him; illegal Buddhist teachings in Rongpatsa and Dege County in Kandze; offering prayers for the long life of the Dalai Lama. He also faced allegations of inciting the people by giving pro-independence speeches and creating animosity between monks and lamas who are loyal to the country.