JUNE 2004
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Four Exile Returnees Arrested and Sentenced
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A monk incarcerated for Dalai Lama's portraits and video
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TCHRD receives list of new names of political prisoners
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TCHRD Commemorates UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
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Special Rapporteur on Torture postpones visit to China
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European Commission Issues Statement on Tibet
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Austrialian Ambassador to China Visits Tibet
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Two brothers given lengthy sentences for pro-independence pamphlets
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TCHRD staff briefings about human rights situation in Tibet
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"Jampa Project" launched to assist former Tibetan political prisoners
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Kalon Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche Resigns as Chairperson of the TCHRD Board of Directors.
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Annual Report 2003 in Tibetan Language
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Chinese authorities in Tibet have arrested four Tibetans who returned to Tibet from India. All four Tibetans were formerly monks of Ragya Monastery and have been charged of having connection with a secret pro-indepence organisation and for distributing pictures of the disappeared Panchen Lama to the local populace. They have been given heavy imprisonment terms with sentences ranging from five to six years.
The four monks returned to their native homeland in 2001 and were reported to be arrested at that time but no detailed information was available at the time. According to fresh information received by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), the monks-Kunchok Dhargay, Mathok Damchoe, Sonam Gyatso and Tsultrim Phuntsok-have been sentenced to five to six year imprisonment terms.
The four have been charged with having contact with the secret "Freedom in Tibet" organisation (tib translit: 'od rangdwang sder tsok) and with the late Lobsang Thargay and for distributing pictures of the Panchen Lama.
Lobsang Dhargay (a political prisoner who died in Chinese custody on 19 November 2002) secretly assisted Alak Shingsa Rinpoche escape into exile in India. Dhargay hd earlier served two years in Chinese prison. In mid 2001, he returned to Tibet and was arrested by Chinese authorities. He was imprisoned in a "Labour Camp" in Xiling Village, Machen County (Ch:Maqin xian), Golog "Tibet Autonomous Prefecture", Qinghai Province where he succumbed to torture.
Shortly after Lobsang Dhargay's arrest, Chinese authorities arrested Kunchok Dhargay, Mathok Damchoe, Sonam Gyatso and Tsultrim Phuntsok.
Kunchok Dhargay was born in 1971 in Ragya Chuwa Village, Machen County, Golok "Tibet Autonomous Prefecture" ("TAP"), Qinghai Province. He became a monk at Ragya Monastery early in his childhood. In 1993, he visited India for pilgrimage and returned to Tibet in the same year. In mid 2001, Kunchok was arrested, sentenced to six years imprisonment, and is currently serving his term in a brick factory "Reform-through-Labour" Camp in Xiling.
Mathok Damchoe was born in Machen County. He is 28 years old. Tsultrim became a monk at Ragya Monastery at an early age. In 1997, he visited India for pilgrimage. In mid 2001, Tsultrim was arrested and subsequently sentenced to a five year imprisonment.
Tsultrim Phuntsok, 28, was born in Machen County and joined Ragya Monastery at an early age. In 1990, he joined Sera Monastery in Lhasa and visited India for pilgrimage. After his return to Tibet, Tsultrim was arrested and subsequently sentenced to six years imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Thangkarmo Prison in Qinghai Province.
Sonam Gyatso, 36, was born in Machen County and became a monk at Ragya Monastery at an early age. In 1993, he visited India for pilgrimage and thereafter returned to Tibet. He was arrested in mid 2001 and sentenced to six years imprisonment.
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Samten,38, (lay name: Ngawang Lobsang) was born in Ghechoe Village in Kardze Prefecture Tibetan Autonomous Region ('TAR'). Samten attended a village primary school for a year. At 17 he was ordained as a monk and admitted in Kardze Monastery.
Samten served three years' term in Trisam "Reform-through-Labour" Camp in Lhasa for pro-independence activities. He escaped into exile on completion of his prison term.
Samten recounted to TCHRD, "In 1992, few Chinese officials visited Kardze Monastery. The monks were called for meetings thrice every month and were instructed to denounce the "Dalai Clique". The officials imposed a ceiling of 300 monks in the monastery."
"Unable to tolerate political indoctrination classes, two monks, Tsetop and Lobsang Tashi, along with a lay youth went to the main square-where Tibetans usually gather in large number- and hoisted a huge Tibetan national flag. The incident provoked the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) and subsequently the officials imposed strict restriction around the area. The PSB arrested the youth from Lhasa."
"Afterwards the PSB officials were able to identify Tsetop and Lobsang Tashi and subsequently both were arrested. The youth was sentenced to 14 years' prison term by the Kardze Intermediate People's Court. Tsetop was sentenced to five years' and Lobsang Tashi to four years' in prison."
"The constant surveillance by the Chinese security forces during annual Monlam (Prayer festival) ceremony at the monastery, it caused uneasiness among the monks, who eventually became intolerant towards the existing situation. This inturn resulted in the flight of many monks into exile."
In 1992, Samten escaped into exile through Lhasa. He continued with his studies at Drepung Loseling Monastery in South India for eight years until 20 November 2000. He return to Tibet to meet his relatives after procuring a year's leave from the monastery.
"For my journey back to Tibet, I took along 18 Tibet related video cassettes and 150 portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for distribution in my native town. I undertook my journey to Tibet with another person called Damchoe from Kardze region. We went via Solukumbu (Nepal-Tibet border) and reached Lhasa in December 2000".
"While in Lhasa, I stayed with Damchoe. Although Damchoe is originally from Kham region, he usually stays at Karma Kunsang area in Lhasa Municipality. After few days' stay, at quarter to one on 11 December, 2000, there was constant barking of dogs inside the courtyard. An old lady next door cautioned me about the presence of Chinese police outside the courtyard and at the same time assured that they wouldn't do anything to me. I casually laid down on my bed without any anticipation but all of a sudden around eleven policemen in civilian dress barged into my room. They caught me from my shoulder, handcuffed and covered my head with a black cloth and later took me to the PSB office situated near Potala Palace in Lhasa. "
"After a thorough search by the security officials, I was hit on the joints of my body while interrogating for possessing videocassettes and portraits. I was even electrocuted with live wire attached on my thumbs until I lost my consciousness. Later I found myself landed in a hospital where I needed a week long medical attention to recuperate my frail health condition."
"I was then moved to "TAR"Public Security Bureau (PSB) Detention Centre, despite initial reluctance to accept me owing to my poor health condition. However, they accepted after four days."
A month after his detention, a notice was handed to Samten by a security official and two-lady officials about a need for reform-through-labor for him. He was later shifted to Trisam labour camp located 10 Kms west of Lhasa near Toelung County.
"There were four units inside the labour camp holding around 700 prisoners serving various sentences. There were only 14 political prisoners at that time. Political prisoners were more strictly scrutinized and had to get up early in the morning to follow the daily routine. We were all called to gather and form straight lines in the mornings and taught how to march. We were provided with Chinese newspapers to read. Although we have to subsist on a poor diet and were denied proper medical healthcare, yet daily routine included hard labour such as carrying soil and rock in the labor camp."
On 11 December 2003, Samten was released after completing his three year prison term.
" I left to my native town in Kham immediately after securing release as the prison officials handed me a notice with instruction for me to leave Lhasa within fifteen days. Upon reaching my native town, I was instructed to report to the local PSB every week and had to put a signature on the surety letter declaring that I would refrain from taking part in any political activities. I was disallowed from joining any monastery."
In February 2004, Samten made a trip to Lhasa and paid 3,000 yuan to a guide to help him escape into exile again.Samten reached Dharamsala safely in May 2004.
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The following Tibetans are identified to be imprisoned in Drapchi according to interviews with former political prisoners.
- Tenpa Dargay, 25, born in Amdo Golok was sentenced to five years term by the Shigatse Intermediate People's Court. He was in possession of a Tibetan national flag when he was arrested at Shigatse in 2000 on his return from Tibet.
- Migmar Tsering, 25, born in Lhasa Luguk, was arrested in 2001 under suspicion of involvment in political activities. Migmar was sentenced to three years of imprisonment.
- Kelsang Tendar, 28, born in Shigatse Namling, was a monk at Sera Monastery. Kelsang was arrested in July 2001 for writing pro-independence posting and subsequently sentenced to one year prisonent term.
- Tringa, born in Sog County, was given a five year sentence extension to his original tem when he informed a delegation visiting Drapchi Prison that the real political prisoners were inside and not the ones shown to them.
- Bagdro, 30, and Lobsang Tashi, 25, both born in Lhoka Tsona, were originally criminal prisoners. Due to involvement in political activity while in prison in 1999, both were given sentence extensions by five and six years respectively.
- Kunchok and Lobsang Namgyal, both in 30s and a woman in her 30s were arrested in 2000 for distributing pro-independence pamphlets in Lhasa. All are known to be sentenced between four and five years prison terms for the activity.
- Lobsang, 29, Drukgyal, 24, and Yeshi Drakpa,30, were sentenced to four to five years' imprisonment when they were arrested in 2000 for planning to screen videos on Tibet.
- Tsewang, 30, and Yeshi Dorjee, 25, were sentenced to six years sentence for possessing political literatures on their way to Tibet in 2000 and 2001respectively.
- Tsewang Jigme,30, was sentenced to five years term for singing nationalistic song in 2000 in a bar in Lhasa.
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The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) commemorates the seventh United Nations international day in support of victims of torture on 26 June 2004. The UN proclaimed day is in support and solidarity with those who have suffered from torture and undergone physical pain and mental trauma. The day also calls for the end of torture throughout the world.
Torture is a regular feature in the People's Republic of China (PRC) despite the fact that the PRC ratified the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT) and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment in October 1988 and outlawed certain forms of torture in the revised Chinese Criminal Procedure Law, that came into effect in 1997. Systematic torture is still endemic in the Chinese administered prisons in Tibet. Torture is still being used for purposes of extracting confessions, to defeat Tibetan prisoners nationalist spirit, to intimidate prisoners and to cause humiliation and mental trauma that affect the prisoners for the rest of their lives.
Since 1987, TCHRD has documented 87 known deaths Tibetan prisoners of conscience as a direct result of torture in Tibet. All of these Tibetans died either in Chinese custody or after release from prisons in near death conditions due to torture. Torture techniques include electric shocks, pricking cigarettes on the face, hand or thumb cuffs, feet manacles, suspension from ceiling, exposure to extreme temperature, long period of solitary confinement, deprivation of food, water and sleep, forced labour and forced exercise drills.
In 2003, according to TCHRD records, three known Tibetan prisoners of conscience died due to torture. On 1 October 2003, Nyima Drakpa, 29, a monk sentenced to nine years' imprisonment term, died in his home after being released on medical parole from the prison. Drakpa's limbs were fractured due to torture while in prison. On 8 September 2003, Tenzin Phuntsok died. Phuntsok, 74, who was a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was arrested on 21 September 2003 under alleged charges of carrying out political activities and was extensively tortured during interrogation sessions in Nyari Detention Centre. On 15 January 2004, Yeshi Gyatso, 65, died in his home after being released on medical parole from Lhasa Detention Centre. Yeshi was arrested in June 2003 on alleged charges of political activities and was subsequently sentenced to six years' imprisonment term by the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court.
China yet again blocked the visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Mr. Theo Van Boven at the last minute by requesting for more time to coordinate his visit. The visit was to have taken place at the end of June 2004. It is clear that Beijing is not serious about its invitations to UN representatives. The Centre strongly supports and attaches great importance to the Special Rapporteur's visit to China in order to ascertain true picture of the torture situation in China and Tibet.
In commemorating International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, TCHRD urges the UN Special Rapporteur push for his visit to China without further delay. The PRC must adhere to its domestic laws as well as its obligations with regard to UN human rights treaties particularly CAT. TCHRD also calls upon China to ratify the "Optional Protocol on UN Convention Against Torture", "to allow independent international and national agencies to visit places where persons are deprived of liberty."
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Geshe Lobsang WangchuK 7 Nov 1987
Dawa 1987
Lobsang Dhonyoe 28 Oct 1987
Gonpo Sonam 61 3 Dec1987
Karsel 21 1 Oct 1987
Lobsang Legden 21 1 Oct 1987
Lobsang Dolma 26 17 May 1988
Lobsang Sonam 39 5 April 1988
Yeshi Lhundup 1988
Lobsang Choephel 21 1988
Tenzin Sherab 23 March 1988
Ngawang Zegan 1989
Kalsang Tsering 29 1989
Lhakpa Dhondup 1989
Migmar 5 March1989
Chozed Tenpa Choephel 66 25 August 1989
Lobsang Khedrup 10 October 1989
Yeshi 23 1989
Lhakpa Tsering 19 15 Dec 1990
Tsamla 39 25 Aug 1991
Jampa Gelek 26 1999
Rinzin Choeden 26 10 Oct 1992
Jampa Tenzin 40 1992
Lhadar 33 20 August 1993
Tsenyi 23 June 1993
Phuntsok Yangkyi 20 4 June 1994
Lobsang Yonden 65 30 Oct 1994
Dawa Tsering 28 14 May 1994
Sherab Ngawang 15 17 April 1995
Tashi Tsering 15 7 May 1995
Gyaltsen Kalsang 24 20 Feb 1995
Ngawang Yangchen 32 August 1995
Kalsang Dolma 24 20 Feb 1995
Dorjee Dradul 1995
Sonam Tashi 44 1995
Ngawang Nyidron 21 May 1995
Kalsang Thutop 49 5 July 1996
Sangye Tenphel 6 May 1996
Dorjee 66 1996
Phurbu Tsering 36 7 Feb 1996
Passang 24 17 Dec 1997
Tenpa Phulchung 62 29 Nov 1997
Rinzin 61 Feb 1997
Thekchog Tenphel 27 Sept 1997
Jamyang Thrinlay 25 18 Sept 1996
Lobsang Tsundue 65 1998
Tenzin Yeshi 22 12 May 1998
Ngawang Dekyi 25 1998
Tashi Lhamo 24 7 June 1998
Kundol Yonten 1998
Lobsang Wangmo 25 1998
Tsultrim Sangmo 25 15 May 1998
Dekyi Yanzom 21 7 June 1998
Khedrup 26 1998
Lobsang Choephel 20 12 May 1998
Ngawang Tenkyong 28 May 1998
Ngawang Tenzin 7 June 1998
Geshi Choephel 71 24 Sept 1998
Lobsang Wangchuk 28 May 1998
Sonam Wangdue 44 8 April 1999
Ngawang Jinpa 20 April 1999
Norbu 21 March 1999
Tashi Tsering 10 Feb 2000
Legshe Tsoglam 12 April 1999
Phuntsok 60 2 Sept 1999
Sonam Rinchen 27 April 1999
Sholpa Dawa 64 19 Nov 2000
Ngawang Lochoe 28 5 Feb 2001
Saru Dawa 27 9 Jan 2001
Lobsang Sherab 20 Oct 2000
Penpa 40 2000
Tsering Wangdrak 4June 2000
Namgyal Tashi 66 20 Aug 2001
Marong Tseta 2001
Lobsang Dhargay 40 16 Jan 2002
Thupten Namdrol 71 26 Jan 2003
Lobsang Damchoe 31 Jan 2003
Tenzin Phuntsok 74 8 Sept 2003
Nyima Dakpa 29 1 Oct 2003
Yeshi Gyatso 65 15 Jan 2004
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The UN Expert on torture postponed his visit to China until later this year, reported United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in a press release dated 16 June 2004.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Mr. Theo Van Boven, was scheduled to visit People's Republic of China (PRC) in the end of June. PRC sought more time in a request made by the Government citing the reason of needing "additional time to prepare for the two week visit, especially given the different authorities, departments, and provinces involved".
UN Special Rapporteur's country visits aim "to assess firsthand the situation in the country concerning torture, including institutional and legislative factors that contribute to such practices, and to make relevant recommendations."
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The European Commission in a statement issued on 21 June 2004 expressed its concern regarding human rights in Tibet and welcomed the two visits to China by the Dalai Lama's special envoys in 2002 and 2003. In the statement, the EU reaffirmed that it will continue to press for strengthening and deepening of the dialogue process.
The Commission also reiterated its commitment to address human rights concerns with China at the "highest political level", such as bilateral summits.
The statement prominently cited the case of Trulku Tenzin Delek in regularly bringing to the Chinese authorities' attention the cases of persons who have been sentenced for having expressed their opinion or belief.
Xinhuanet.com on 1 July 2004 reported China's commitment that "Human Rights Cooperation is important to China-EU ties" during the EU-China seminar on ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Li Jinzhang, assistant to the Chinese Foreign Minister, said that China attaches importance to the ICCPR, and said that work for its ratification is under way.
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Dr. Allan Thomas, Austrialia's ambassador to China, led a delegation of aid officials to Tibet.The delegation will start a number of Australian-funded health projects in Tibet according to reports by The Age on 30 June 2004.
The Austrialia Tibet Council (ATC) raised its concern regarding the nature of the delegation's mission. While "supporting aid that benefits Tibetans, especially in areas like primary health care", Mr. Paul Bourke, President of ATC said that ATC's "concern is the problem of Tibet". He hoped the Australian ambassador to urge for dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese Government for a solution which should be advantageous to China
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Dawa Gyaltsen, 35, and Nyima, 22, are two brothers born in Nagchu County in "TAR". Dawa passed his elementary and middle school education and later in 1990 began a job in a bank. In the same year, Dawa's younger brother, Nyima, was admitted to Nagchu Shabten Monastery to pursue Buddhist studies.
In 1994 and 1995, Chinese 'work team' officials visited the monastery to conduct "patriotic education" classes. The forty monks in the monastery were required to write pledges of loyalty to the motherland, condemn the "splittist" groups, and make derogatory statements about the Dalai Lama. The "work team" officials further ordered the monks to bring down the "Mani" cairns set up on the circumambulation route of the monastery . The monks were then made to carry the stones to the top of the hill at the back of the monastery for disposal. The monks in the monastery became desperate to protest against the Chinese enforcement of political classes and curtailment of their religious rights.
Nyima approached his elder brother and gave detailed explanation of what was happening in the monastery. The two brothers agreed to lead a protest. Dawa agreed to make the neccessary pro-independence pamphlets while Nyima was to gather a few more men to carry out the activity. Dawa wrote a brief history of Tibet as an independent nation and at the end wrote the slogans "Freedom in Tibet", "Chinese Go Home", and "Tibet belongs to Tibetans". Nyima asked some of his trusted friends to join in the activity. A-Gya, Marzong, Gyedok and Chadrel agreed to participate in the protest and were each given a responsibility during a secret meeting one night.
One night in April 1995, the monks secretly pasted the pamphlets all over the county. Upon discovering the pamphlets, the PSB started investigation. Dawa Gyaltsen and A-Gya surfaced as the prime suspects. Both the men immediately fled to Lhasa. However, in November 1995 they were captured in Lhasa. Both were detained in Gutsa Detention Centre for interrogation. Unable to endure the torture sessions during the interrogation, they had to divulge the names of the other participants. Nagchu Prefecture PSB arrested Nyima, Marzong, Gedok and Chadrel from the monastery and detained them in the Nagchu Prefecture Detention Centre for interrogation.
In May 1996, Nagchu Prefecture Intermediate People's Court sentenced the arrestees to different imprisonment terms on the alleged charges of carrying out "counter - revolutionary Propaganda". Dawa Gyaltsen and Nyima surfaced as the prime activist and were sentenced to 18 years and 13 years imprisonment terms respectively. The Court sentenced Marzong to six years term, A Gya to five and half years, Chadrel to four years and Gedok to two years imprisonment.
In January 1997, they were transfered to Drapchi Prison to serve their sentences. Except for Dawa Gyaltsen and Nyima, the others have been released over the years on completion of their sentences.
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Briefing to Tibetan fullbright scholars
Ms. Tsewang Lhadon, Executive Director, briefed Tibetan fullbright scholars about the human rights situation in Tibet during the orientation programme for Tibetans who will leave to the United States to pursue their studies as part of the Tibetan fullbright scholarship programme.
Briefing to American Law Students
Mr. Jampa Monlam, Tibetan Researcher, and Mr. Tenzin Norgay, Field Officer, gave a talk about the human rights situation in Tibet to a group of 24 American law students at Chonor Hotel, Dharamsala, on 22 June 2004. The group consisting of students from different universities in the United States are on an educational tour to learn about Tibetan refugees and the issues surrounding Tibet.
Mr. Norgay gave an overview of the human rights situation in Tibet with particular emphasis on political and religious rights while Mr. Jampa gave his personal testimony as a former Tibetan political prisoner, which was interpreted into English by Mr. Norgay.
At the end of the talk, the students asked some pertinent questions especially on the right to information in Tibet and prison conditions in Tibet. Mr. Norgay fielded the questions.
Human Rights talk at Bir T.C.V School
Mr. Jampa Monlam, Mr. Tashi Choephel and Mr. Tenzin Norgay, visited the Tibetan Children's Village School in Suja, Bir, on 19 June 2004. The language class of the school comprising of 35 students who came into exile from Tibet were given a talk about human rights concepts by Mr. Norgay. Mr. Jampa talked about the human rights situation in Tibet to the group.
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The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation based in the United States of America have started a new humanitarian aid fund project for former Tibetan political prisoners.
"Jampa Project" as the project is titled will assist and support Tibetan ex-political prisoners and torture survivors in meeting their basic needs while attempting to re-establish their lives in exile.
The Global Peace Foundation will provide a monthly allowance of USD 20 to the Tibetan prisoners. The project also enables the former Tibetan political prisoners to seek medical funding in case of a serious health crisis.
"Jampa Project" currently sponsors ten former Tibetan political prisoners and looks forward to helping as many as possible.
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The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Board of Directors met for its Annual General Meeting on 12 June, 2004.
At its meeting the members of the Board discussed the status of TCHRD as an NGO. In an effort to clear misconceptions on its status, it was decided that the Centre will shift its office outside of the exile government complex.
Kalon Prof. S.Rinpoche also announced to the members of the Board that he has tendered his resignation as Chairperson of the TCHRD Board of Directors to the Patron of TCHRD, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Prof. Rinpoche hoped that his resignation would help improve the image of TCHRD as a true non governmental organisation.
Prof. S. Rinpoche was appointed by His Holiness as the Chairperson of TCHRD Board of Directors after Kasur T.C. Tethong la in October 2001. Prof. Rinpoche thanked the members of the Board for their support to him during his tenure as the Chairperson of TCHRD and wished well for the Centre in its future endeavors.
TCHRD remains grateful to Prof. Rinpoche for his leadership and valuable time during his tenure as Chairperson of the Centre and wishes him good health and success in his endeavors as head of the exile Tibetan government.
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The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy releases its Annual Report 2003 in Tibetan Language for the readers.
To avail a copy, mail us at dsala@tchrd.org or write to us at our postal address.
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