October 2002
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China frees Ngawang Sangdrol
[ read ]
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Three former political prisoners flees Tibet
[ read ]
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Profile of a current political prisoner
Saved from the verge of execution
[ read ]
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Additional information on Trulku Tenzin Delek's detention
[ read ]
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Update on Tsangsul School closure
[ read ]
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TCHRD Activities
Briefing to Italian parliamentary group
[ read ]
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Orissa workshop on human rights and democracy
[ read ]
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Asian human rights training in Bangkok
[ read ]
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TCHRD briefing to CTA Trainees at Sara Institute
[ read ]
Ngawang Sangdrol,
a 24-year-old nun, was released nine years early from
Drapchi Prison in Tibet on 17 October 2002 reportedly
for good behaviour. Sangdrol had spent 12 unbroken years
in prison for merely exercising her right to freedom of
expression and opinion.
Earlier in October 2001, Chinese authorities had reduced
Sangdrol's sentence by year and a half from her total
sentence of 21 years thereby bringing her sentence at
19 and half years. She had reportedly shown 'genuine
repentance and willingness to reform' to earn this sentence
reduction.
Sangdrol had remained a high-profile prisoner of
conscience. She had featured prominently in the list of
detainees deserving immediate release during dialogues of
Chinese authorities with other government delegations and
in campaigns by the international community.
Sangdrol was a juvenile when she was initially
apprehended. She was the longest serving female political
prisoner and had her sentence increased on three occasions
She had consistently suffered inhumane torture at the hands
of the prison authorities, including solitary confinement.
At the time of her release, Sangdrol was serving 19 and
half years' imprisonment.
TCHRD disproves the claims of Sangdrol's early release
due to "good behaviour". An informant from Tibet revealed
that Sangdrol continues to receive medical treatment at
her home in Tibet.
Another source, Passang Lhamo, a former Drapchi inmates
currently in exile in Dharamsala, added, "Sangdrol
had endured extensive beatings and torture during her
imprisonment especially for her participation in the
May 1998 protest. She suffers multiple chronic ailments
such as severe bouts of frequent headaches, stomach,
intestinal and heart diseases (could be related to anxiety
and stress)." TCHRD believes that Sangdrol may have been
released more on medical grounds than for the stated
reasons of "good behaviour".
Chinese authorities employ this long-standing strategy
of releasing prisoners whose critical health condition
is beyond recovery and recuperation. This tactic of late
release of critically ill prisoners usually on medical
parole is to shun responsibility for their deaths and to
avoid criticisms against denial of adequate, timely and
effective medical care.
Other speculations include Mr. John Kamm's, President of
Duihua Foundation. According to Mr Kamm, the release was
"due to a regulation that makes prisoner who enter prison
as juvenile eligible for early release".
TCHRD would like to express its growing concern that
release of prisoners prior to their due date may not
be interpreted as the Chinese government's adherence to
human rights standards. In fact, the Centre views these
gestures with caution and skepticism. In recent years,
the Chinese government has applied the hostage diplomacy
tactic in response to the international scrutiny over
their deteriorating human rights situation.
China's image-building process in the international arena
and the recent Jiang-Bush tryst could also have acted
as a catalyst in compelling the Beijing bureaucracy to
re-think, review and revamp their policies that are under
such intense international scrutiny.
Other factors could include the impending reshuffle in the
Chinese leadership, hosting of the 2008 Olympics in China,
extensive lobby and campaign activities worldwide for the
prisoners' release, and governmental pressure in the form
of resolutions passed in both the European Union Parliament
and US Congress to recognise Tibetan government-in-exile
(TGIE) as the legitimate government of Tibet if China fails
to negotiate with the TGIE within next year 2003. However,
in the overall human rights situation there has not yet
been any obvious improvement.
TCHRD is happy for the release of Sangdrol as she
did not deserve to be arbitrarily incarcerated in the
first place and suffer all these years of torture and
incarceration. TCHRD would also like to draw attention to
the fact that there are hundreds more who continue to be
arbitrarily detained under appalling prison condition.
TCHRD would like to reiterate that prisoners have spent
their prime time behind bars enduring untold punishment
and torture. At least 77 Tibetan prisoners have died
due to prison prison beatings and torture. Therefore,
it continues to raise serious concern for the remaining
political prisoners arbitrarily incarcerated in various
prisons in Tibet.
"TCHRD salutes Sangdrol's indomitable spirit and courageous
sacrifices. We are happy for Sangdrol and her family", said
Mrs. Tsewang Lhadon, Executive Director of the Centre.
Born in 1977 in Lhasa, Ngawang Sangdrol, layname Rigchog,
joined Garu Nunnery at a very young age.
In 1987, 10-year-old Sangdrol participated in a peaceful
pro-independence demonstration. She was detained for 15
days. On 28 August 1990, she was detained for nine months
for participating in another demonstration. A year later,
she was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in Drapchi
Prison for staging another pro-independence demonstration.
In 1993, Sangdrol and 13 other nuns in Drapchi
Prison made a tape-recording of the brutal treatment
suffered and of their unfaltering commitment to Tibetan
independence. The tape was smuggled out and circulated
throughout Tibet. Sangdrol was found guilty of "spreading
counter-revolutionary propaganda" and had her sentence
extended by an additional six years.
On 31 July 1996, Sangdrol received an additional eight
years on her prison term, raising her total sentence
to 17 years on alleged charges of failing to clean her
room. Actually, she refused to rise to her feet when a
communist party delegation visited her cell. Her physical
condition deteriorated due to torture and her right leg
was seriously injured.
During the May 1998 Drapchi Prison protest, all prisoners
were beaten with particular ferocity meted out to
Sangdrol. Lhasa Intermediate People's Court extended
Sangdrol's sentence. Despite conflicting reports about the
length of this sentence extension, TCHRD maintains that
Sangdrol received four years sentence extension bringing
her total sentence to 21 years.
[ top ]
Soepa (ordained name Loden Thupten) is a 30-year-old monk
and former political prisoner from Tibet. Upon reaching
safely in exile, he testified to TCHRD:
"I am originally from Mancho Village, Uyang Township,
Dzogang County (Zuagang xian), Chamdo Prefecture. My family
engage in farming and nomadic works. I used to herd
livestock since I was eight. At 15, I became a monk of
Songa Thingcholing Monastery in Dzogang County. Between
21 to 24 years, I studied at Jampaling Monastery in
Chamdo.
"In 1995, pro-independence leaflets with a photo of
H.H. the Dalai Lama appeared on a wall and an electric
pole near the monastery. The leaflets, written in Chinese,
English and Tibetan languages, called for 'Free Tibet'
and condemned the Chinese Panchen Lama.
"The needle of suspicion pointed towards the monks of
Jampaling Monastery. A nine-member Chamdo PSB officers
arrived at the monastery and summoned all the monks for a
meeting. They photographed each monk, checked handwriting
and took our thumbprints. No arrests took place that
time.
"In February 1996, I pasted leaflets on an electric pole
nearby the Chamdo-Zachu Bridge. The leaflets contained
slogans like 'Free Tibet', 'Long Live H.H. the Dalai Lama',
and 'China quit Tibet'. In late April 1996, I once again
pasted the leaflets along the walls of circumambulating
path of Jampaling Monastery.
"The next day, about 30 Chinese PSB officers descended
upon the monastery and searched all the monks' living
quarters. At that time, they took a paper from my
room on which my roommate Sonam (now 38, from the same
place as myself) had written the names of scriptures in
Tibetan. When the handwriting on the paper was matched with
that of the leaflets, it was found to be identical.
"On 2 May 1996, Sonam was arrested from the
monastery. During the course of the interrogation, Sonam
was coerced to disclose my involvement. The next morning
on 3 May, I was arrested and taken to PSB Office. Sonam
and I were kept in different rooms. The same day, I was
interrogated and accused of harbouring venomous thoughts
(referring to my pro-independence activities) despite
being garbed in a monk's robe.
"I suffered different forms of torture and maltreatment
at the hands of the PSB officers. To extract information,
I was shocked with electric baton. They poured alcohol on
my head and prodded me with the electric baton. The hurt
was all the more severe. They put a yoke on my neck and my
hands were held up straight in the air behind the yoke. At
the same time, I was made to kneel on two sharp-edged
stones with a stick at the back of my knee. When I moved
a bit unable to bear this cruel position, they step on
the stick in the leg. The pain was excruciating. Wangdu,
a Tibetan official, was the main person responsible for
the torture. That way, I was tortured and interrogated
at the PSB office for an entire day. In the evening I was
taken to Chamdo Detention Centre.
"At Chamdo Detention Centre, I was interrogated once in
every two to three days. Each time I was interrogated,
I was beaten and pushed against the wall. My head was
banged and I was kicked on the chest. Sonam who was also
broughtto the detention centre experienced similar torture
and ill treatment.
"There are four other political prisoners in the detention
centre, all of them were from Drayab Puegue Monastery. They
are Tsering Norbu (30), Tsedo (40), Tsetso (58) and Yeshi
Tenzin (14). All four were detained in connection with
pro-independence activities. Chamdo Intermediate People's
Court sentenced Yeshi Tenzin to five years' prison term
while the other three were given three years' 're-education
through labour' in Chamdo Detention Centre. After six
month's detention in Chamdo Detention Centre, Yeshi Tenzin
was transferred to Drapchi Prison.
"Chamdo Tatsa Thang is a big ground where public
sentencings are held. On 2 July 1996, Chamdo Intermediate
People's Court read out sentences for Sonam and myself at
Chamdo Tatsa Thang. I received five years and Sonam got
two years.
"There were 11 Tibetan criminal prisoners who were paraded
before being executed. I knew only some of these executed
prisoners. They were Tsega, in 40s from Chamdo, Tsegyal,
40s from Drayab, Kyipo Nyima, approximately 50, and Jamdo
in 20s from Jumda Township.
"After being held for additional three months in Chamdo
Detention Centre, I was transferred to Drapchi Prison
in October 1996. I stayed in Rukhag 5 (new block) of the
prison for three months. I was shifted to Rukhag 6. We
were not assigned any tasks but we were made to perform
the morning military drill.
"Following the 1 and 4 May 1998 Drapchi Prison protests,
the prisoners suffered tremendously and severe restrictions
were imposed. Besides, surveillance cameras were
installed in the prison cells to monitor the prisoners'
activities.
"I was released from prison on 1 May 2001 upon completion
of my full prison term. I was ordered not to stay in Lhasa
for more than 20 days. Therefore, I left for my native
place and lived there for about nine months. I left Lhasa
on 30 September 2002 and arrived at Tibetan Reception
Centre (TRC) in Kathmandu on 10 October 2002."
Thinlay Ngawang (ordained name Ngawang Tendar) reported
to TCHRD about his involvement in political activities
that subsequently led to his detention. He recounted to
TCHRD:
"I am 34 years old. My place of origin is Kyepa Township,
Nedong County (Ch: Naidong xian), Lhoka Prefecture. I
studied in a village primary school for almost five
years. For few years in between, I assisted my family
in farming. At 17, I became monk of Woetin Monastery and
studied there for six years.
"In February 1993, I wrote pro-independence slogans on
four large piece of papers. The slogans said 'Tibet is for
Tibetans' and condemned the limited number of monastic
strength and enforced birth control policy on Tibetan
women. On the night of 25 April 1993, I pasted the papers
on both sides of a huge gate named as Yardo Kawa in Lhoka
Township. The posters were also posted on the door of a
popular old shop where many people used to meet and walk
past, and another one on a gate of another shop. All in
all, I had eleven such posters with me.
"I feigned sickness and took leave from the monastery to
go for check-up. I stayed the night at my grandfather's
place. I managed to paste few more posters during the
night.
"As soon as I completed my work, I planned to return to
my monastery. Unfortunately, my grandfather sprained his
ankle and I had to stay back to help him. While going to
fetch water, two policemen on the way called me and wanted
to know when I left the monastery and when I planned to
return. They held me under suspicion because they knew that
the previous posters had appeared near my home. Therefore,
they not only recognises me but also suspected me
immensely. In order to avoid further suspicion, I bought
few medicines and left for my monastery.
"Two days later, six policemen came to the monastery and
distributed papers to all the monks to write down their
personal background. I became doubtful about their motive
and wrote my handwriting differently. After collecting
all the papers from the monks, the policemen left.
"On two other occasions, I tried to paste posters. On 8
May 1994, five policemen suddenly came to the monastery
and ransacked my room. They found the posters and a
small booklet containing speeches of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama. The police team consisted of Norbu Dhondup,
Lotse, Khao Te Jang, and Nyandak. Another Nyandak was the
head of this police team. There was one driver with them
also.
"I was taken to Lhoka Intermediate People's Court for
trial. During the trial, I asserted that Tibetan people's
standard of living was deplorable and that the authorities
should lessen their restrictions. The judge slammed his
fist on the table in anger and said that I was not speaking
the truth.
"Lhoka Intermediate People's Court sentenced me to five
years' prison term. In February 1994, I was transferred
to rukhag (unit) 5 of Drapchi Prison. Upon completion of
my prison term, I was released on 7 May 1998."
Thirty-six-year-old Tsering Nyima reported to TCHRD:
"I come from a farming family in Derong County (Ch:
Derong xian), Karze 'TAP', Sichuan Province. I studied
at a township primary school for three years. Afterwards,
I did farming in my native place. I also worked as an
electrician for sometime.
"I attempted escape to India once before in 1990. Chinese
border police arrested me at Tingri County (Ch: Dingri
xian), Shigatse Prefecture. After confiscating 350 yuan
from me, I was detained for two days in Shigatse PSB
Office. They put me in a vehicle that was to take me back
to Lhasa. I somehow stayed back in Shigatse for two months
and managed to escape until Tibet-Nepal border during my
second attempt.
"At Tibet-Nepal border, Nepal police arrested me and
confiscated 1,800 yuan yuan from me. I was detained
for two days before being handed over to Chinese border
police. There, I found six other Tibetans who were also
arrested for attempted escape into exile. Our group was
taken to Shigatse PSB Office located near Tashi Ling
Monastery. One of the police officials recognised me and
told others that this was my second arrest. Other people
from my group were released after two weeks' detention
whereas I was detained for one month.
"When I was released from detention, I did not have any
money with me. I stayed in Shigatse for 15 more days. Then,
I walked for 210 kms and also hitchhiked till Saga County
(Ch: Saga xian). I walked and walked for 16 days and
finally reached Mt. Kailash where I stayed for ten days. I
assisted elderly people and small children who find it
difficult to circumambulate Mt. Kailash. I charged 50 yuan
each person for assisting these people. Within 20 days,
I had earned 450 yuan.
"I reached Burang County (Ch: Pulan xian) and met a guide
whom I paid 150 yuan. I was with a group of 12 people
then. On reaching Nepal border, 10 people from our group
went on their own way. I ended up with a heavily pregnant
lady from Drayab County (Chaya xian), Chamdo 'TAP'. She
had a very hard time when she gave birth to her child. I
don't know the name of the place. We stayed in that place
for a week and begged during daytime. After a week's time,
we walked for a considerable distance and begged the whole
time. Finally we came to this large city in Kathmandu and
met few Tibetans. These Tibetans gave us clothes and money
and took us till Boudha. Another Tibetan gave us shelter
for the night and took us to the Tibetan Reception Centre,
Kathmandu, the next day.
"After having sought an audience with His Holiness the
Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, I became monk of Ganden Monastery
in South India, and lived there for six months.
"In 1991, I returned to Tibet with seven big photographs
of H H the Dalai Lama and two Tibetan national flags. I
handed these items to my monastery. In 1992, I came to
India with 15 monks. All these monks are now studying in
Sera, Drepung and Ganden Monasteries in South India.
"I went into Tibet once again after having worked in a
Tibetan restaurant in Darjeeling in North East India for
almost nine months. Till 1996, I was in Lhasa, got married
and had children. The same year, I guided 18 Tibetans to
India without any problems on the way. I charged 450 yuan
to each person.
"On my return to Tibet, I had with me Tibetan national
flags, precious Tibetan pills, and some documents. My
wife and I were arrested by border police at Nyelam County
(Neila xian), Shigatse 'TAP'. We succeeded in giving the
items in the safe hands of a driver friend. From Shigatse
PSB Detention Centre, we were transferred to Nyari PSB
Detention Centre.
"My wife was released on medical grounds, as she was
not feeling well. I was detained for six months and
released. Most of the detainees in Nyari PSB Detention
Centre were Tibetans arrested for attempted escape to
India or entry into Tibet from India (mostly without proper
travel documents).
"In 1997, I came to India with seven Tibetans. I took
copies of photographs of H H the Dalai Lama and other
Tibetan lamas in exile. I also had approximately 500
photographs of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the XI Panchen Lama
recognised by H H the Dalai Lama.
"On 10 June 1999, police from Gyabumgang (police station
in Lhasa) ransacked my room and confiscated nearly 20,000
yuan. I was taken to Lhasa PSB Detention Centre. Besides
interrogation sessions, I was tortured with whatever the
police officers could lay their hands on. I was repeatedly
asked about what all I had brought from India. I was
detained for almost three weeks that time. Later, I was
shifted to Gutsa PSB Detention Centre and detained for
one week."
"A member from Lhasa Intermediate People's Court came to
interrogate me at the detention centre. Besides the items
that I brought from India, he wanted to know the details of
my activities concerning guiding people illegally across
Tibet. After two years and two months' detention at Gutsa
Detention Centre, Lhasa Intermediate People's Court finally
sentenced me to three years' prison term.
I was released on 11 June 2002. A month or so later, I came
to India guding seven Tibetans into exile."
[ top ]
Lodroe Gyatso
(born in 1961) is originally from Sog County
in Nagchu Prefecture. He was a dance artist and
weight-lifting champion by profession. Gyatso is known locally
for his strong political convictions and patriotism.
In 1993, Gyatso's sister, Lharik, was killed in a car
accident. The car was driven by Gayoel, a Tibetan, who
is known as a strong Chinese supporter. Though a case was
filed against Gayoel, he was pronounced 'not guilty' after
the case was left pending for over a year.
On 17 January 1993, a fight broke out between Gayoel
and Gyatso in a market. It was reported that Gayoel
unsuccessfully tried to shoot Gyatso twice. Two
policemen who witnessed the conflict did nothing to
intervene. However, when Gayoel was stabbed, the police
arrested Gyatso.
The 'TAR' Intermediate People's Court found Gyatso guilty
of attempt of murder and sentenced him to 15 years'
imprisonment on 20 April 1994.
On 4 March 1995, Gyatso received permission from prison
authorities to make a lone visit to another block to get
medicine for a serious blood pressure problem. While
walking along the 5th block, 6th, 4th, 2nd blocks and
finally in the courtyard near the 1st block, Gyatso shouted
"Tibet is independent", "All Chinese should go back to
China", and "Six million Tibetans are united". At the same
time, he distributed pamphlets and hung posters that had
political message and prayers for the Dalai Lama. He also
read out the poster aloud for everyone to hear.
Liu Bao and Zhao, two prison officials, Pema Rinzin, head
of the fourth block; Lee Tue Tang of the first block, and
one unknown Chinese official from the sixth block snatched
away the pamphlets and clamped fist cuffs on Gyatso.
They kicked and beat him with their belts, tied him up
with rope, and continued to torture him until he bled
from his mouth and nose. Gyatso was taken to a torture
cell where he was untied and hit on his genitals and
abdomen. Despite having been tortured, Gyatso refused to
"confess to his crimes" and instead shouted "Long Live H
H the Dalai Lama" and "Free Tibet". He was then strangled
and kicked causing him severe neck and mouth injusry,
until he fell unconscious. Such interrogation sessions
continued regularly for one month.
Prison officials and "re-education through labour"
Commission subsequently called a meeting,made papers to
execute Gyatso, and forwarded them to the prosecution
division. In April 1995, while the Intermediate People's
Court order was awaiting the approval of the Higher
People's Court, the prisoners of Drapchi were able to
smuggle the news of Gyatso's impending death abroad.
UN Special Rapporteur on Extra Judicial, Summary or Arbitrary
Executions on 18 May 1995 drew an urgent appeal and
transmitted the message to China.
On 20 November 1996, Lodroe Gyatso was brutally beaten by
prison guards during prison visiting day. Gyatso reportedly
walked away from the group awaiting their names to be
called out for visitors to get some sunlight. Gyatso
was reportedly seen being covered with a black cloth
on his head and beaten by prison guards. He was kept in
a solitary confinement cell and following his release,
he was detained along with criminal prisoners.
The Chinese response stated that no execution sentence
had been passed, rather that Gyatso's sentence had been
extended by an additional six years starting from 3 May
1995. He had also been stripped of his political rights
for three years. Lodroe Gyatso is currently serving a
21-year-sentence in Drapchi Prison.
[ top ]
In late September 2002, TCHRD interviewed Jamyang Dhondup
(ordained name Lobsang Gelek), a 29-year-old cousin of
Trulku Tenzin Delek. He escaped into exile in India from
Lithang County. He provided TCHRD with more information
on the events leading to Trulku's arrest and his current
condition:
"In 2002 there was a bomb blast in Karze County that killed
two people. In the same year, there was another bomb
blast in Chengdu. Dhondup, a businessman from Chengdu,
was arrested on suspicion of having masterminded the
incident. His room was ransacked and police discovered a
photo of Trulku Tenzin Delek in his room. Dhondup was
interrogated about his relation with Trulku and his
involvement and motives behind the blast.
"On learning that Dhondup is related to Trulku, the police
immediately made allegations that Trulku had a hand in the
bomb incident. Soon after, Trulku's monastery in Nyakchuka
County (Yajiang xian) was searched thoroughly.
"After the search, a meeting was called whereby the
attendance of other high lamas and Chinese officials was
made mandatory. It was announced then that a search team
discovered pornographic cassettes, a bag full of US dollars
and a wig from the monastery. This baseless accusation
was made with the primary intention of turning people
against Trulku. However, this strategy backfired and no
one believed the accusations. People turned out in large
numbers in support of Trulku and condemned the Chinese
authorities for their false allegations.
"Various theories came up as to where Trulku was held. As
far as I know, the fact remains unknown and uncertain.(In
TCHRD August Human Rights Update, a source reported that
Trulku is currently held in Dartsedo PSB Detention. But
no one has seen him in person since his arrest).
"Four of his attendants were arrested with him - Tamding
Tsering, Tsultrim, Asher Dhargyal and Tashi Phuntsok
(in our earlier report, the person's name is reported as
Dhondup. The Centre awaits further verification). According
to my knowledge, their whereabouts are currently
uncertain.Two people were arrested and later released
following their involvement in fundraising activities for
Trulku's court case.
"An elderly person named Tenzin Thinlay was staying with
Trulku on the night of Trulku's arrest. The former wept
when Trulku was being taken away by the police. Trulku
told him not to be sad, for he was completely innocent. He
further told Thinlay to urge the local people not to
demonstrate but hire lawyers if ever a court trial takes
place.
"So, it was my uncle Lonkga, his cousin De De, and Trulku's
son-in-law, who hired a lawyer from Karze County. The
lawyer asked for a remuneration of 10 lakh yuan and did not
guarantee winning the case. Therefore, they were still in
the process of hiring another lawyer from Ngaba County when
I left Tibet. I don't know what happened thereafter.
"Trulku went into hiding when the Chinese authorities came
to arrest him for the first time. Approximately 20,000
local Tibetans signed an appeal letter and submitted it to
Beijing government. The authorities at that time issued a
decree to the monastery whereby it was stated that Trulku
would not be arrested if he would return and stay out of
trouble. Following this assurance, Trulku returned to the
monastery.
"The Chinese authorities started to look at Trulku with
suspicion after he built six monasteries. He often spoke
strongly against deforestation, lumbering and hunting. He
even advised local Tibetans not to fight over land
disputes.
"The authorities did not like the fact that Trulku did
not seek permission from the government to construct a
big stupa in Nyakchuka County. During his teachings, he
would always advise people not to engage in inter-racial
marriage and to steadfastly follow the ideals of H H the
Dalai Lama.
"Afterwards, Trulku set up an orphanage in Nagchu
County. The orphanage was fully financed by him. Some part
of the land was bought while the locals donated the other
parts to build the orphanage. Around 300 inmates were
taught mainly religion and Tibetan language. The Chinese
authorities forced its closure in 1999 for lack of official
permission. All wards of the school had to return to their
respective homes."
Information on Trulku Tenzin Delek's detention was recorded
in Human Rights Update April 2002 issue. According to
report received that time, Trulku Tenzin Delek (alias
Ah-nga Tashi), a highly respected lama in Lithang (Ch:
Litang) County was arrested on the night of 7 April 2002
with four of his attendants. Sichuan Public Security
Bureau Officers accused the arrestees of being involved
in a bomb blast incident at Chengdu's main square (Tianfu
Square) three days earlier. It was reported that Trulku
was detained in a local PSB Detention Centre in Dartsedo
(Ch: Kangding) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi), "TAP"; though
no one has seen him in person.
For detailed information on Trulku Tenzin Delek, see
www.tchrd.org/publications/hr_updates/2002/hr200204.html
[ top ]
Closure of a private Tibetan school in Lhasa was already
reported in August 2002 Human Rights Update. The rising
popularity of the school and its alleged affiliation with
the "Dalai clique" resulted in Chinese authorities closing
down Tsang-sul School in June/July 2002. Established in
1988, the student strength of the school rose from 120 in
1995 to 500 in 2002.
A 14-year-old former student Karma Yeshi narrated to TCHRD,
"I was born in Lhasa. My parents originally hail from
Dzogang County (Ch: Zuagang xian), Chamdo Prefecture. At
the age of 10, I got admission in Tsang-sul School. We
learnt Chinese, Tibetan and English language in the
school. The average school fee charged was nominal. The
poor and orphaned students were exempted from school fees
and given financial assistance. We benefited a lot from
this school. Since many students come from poor rural
background, they get good opportunity to study in this
school free of cost.
"As mentioned in the TCHRD Human Rights Update, several
factors contributed to the closure of the school. One
unknown factor is that there was a new four-storey building
of Chinese business behind the school. The residents
of this tall building made complaints to the concerned
school authorities that the students make lots of noises
and cause distrubance in the neighbourhood.
"In addition, a government-run Yethong Primary School
has less student admission and attendance with more poor
students choosing to attend Tsang-sul School. The school
was also criticised of being overcrowded and unhygenic. It
was also said there was the threat of students being run
over by vehicles since they had to pass the main road to
get to the school. The landlord was no longer permitted
to rent the premise for schooling purpose following the
government orders. These reasons were explained to our
parents when they were called for meeting a day after the
school was closed.
"Simultaneous to the closure, Yethong Primary School made
an announcement that they would admit students and not
require them to pay fees for one year. My parents do not
trust that the school will impart good education. I left
my family to come into exile for a better education."
[ top ]
On 27 September 2002, Ms. Tsewang Lhadon, the Executive
Director, and Ms. Youdon Aukatsang, Senior Programme
Officer, along with other Tibetan NGOs, met a visiting
Italian Parliamentary Group.
Both the staff members briefed the group on the work and
activities of TCHRD as well as the general human rights
situation inside Tibet. The parliamentarians raised many
pertinent questions with regard to the TCHRD programme
and links with other international human rights NGOs. The
group was presented with TCHRD's latest reports at the
end of the briefing.
On 9 October 2002, the Italian Parliament passed a Tibet
Resolution with 407 votes in favour, one against and one
abstention. The Tibet Resolution strongly called upon China
to fully recognise and respect the fundamental political,
social and cultural rights of religious, ethnic and other
minorities in China.
[ top ]
Ms Youdon Aukatsang and Ms Tenzin Chokey visited the
Tibetan settlement in Orissa for a workshop on human rights
and democracyfrom 14-16 September 2002. Regional Tibetan
Women's Organisation invited the staff as resource person
for their three-day programme.
The composition of participants was different each
day thereby enabling the resource persons to reach the
community widely. The participants included students,
teachers, settlement officers and farmers. The participants
greatly appreciated the workshop and expressed their views
and discussed issues affecting them in an enthusiastic manner.
[ top ]
Mr. Ugyen Tsewang, Information Officer of TCHRD,
participated in the 6th Annual Asian Human Rights Training
and Study Session organised by Bangkok-based Asian Forum
for Human Rights (Forum Asia) at Chulalonkon University,
Bangkok, from 6-27 October 2002.
The participants were drawn from various human rights
organisations and advocacy groups from sixteen different
countries in South and South East Asia like India, Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Thailand, Burma, Indonesia,
South Korea, Philippines and others.
The training courses included topics such as
history and development of human rights norms; UN
mechanisms; universality and indivisibility of human rights
and gender equality; reflections on global, regional,
national and social context and their impact on human
rights. The training dealt with skills on how to devise
effective strategies to deal with human rights issues and
concerns.
One of the most important aspects of the training
was the sharing of country situations towards building
increased solidarity and linkages among the human rights
workers in the region. On two occasions, Mr. Tsewang gave
presentations on the overall Tibetan situation and human
rights violations in Tibet. Majority of the participants
were unaware about Tibet and its current situation.
[ top ]
Upon invitation from Department of Public Service
Commission of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA),
Ms. Youdon Aukatsang addressed 15 member CTA Trainees at
Sara Institute.
Ms. Aukatsang gave a brief overview of the Centre's
activities and presented them with the current human rights
situation in Tibet.
TCHRD also screened a 10-minute documentary on the
destruction of Serthar Buddhist Institute in Sichuan
Province in Tibet. The documentary screening was followed
by a question-answer session.
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