Publications

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Prisoners of Tibet

Profiles of Current Political Prisoners

Gonpo Nara (b. 1957) is a businessman from Ngaba County. Gonpo was arrested with Lobsang Jamyang (b. 1960), who is a driver. Lobsang has been arrested on three occasions, two of which took place with Gonpo. Lobsang's first arrest was due to his drive to Dram (Tibet-Nepal border) from Lhasa in order to receive books and photographs of the Dalai Lama. Consequently, he was incarcerated for three months. After his release, Lobsang and Gonpo formed an organisation called the "Dedication Association", a title they believed, was given by the Dalai Lama. This organisation was formed to distribute speeches and information on the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan public within Tibet. In July 1997, both Gonpo and Lobsang were arrested, however due to lack of evidence they were released. This detention did not deter either one of them from continuing the work of their organisation, often using their own printing machines. In August 1998, the police came to Gonpo's house and seized all the evidence, arrested him and later arrested Lobsang. Gonpo was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, and is serving his sentence in Maowan Prison. Lobsang was unable to appear for his trial due to injuries sustained during his detention in Ngaba Detention Centre. The beatings had rendered one of his legs paralysed. Despite such maltreatment and subsequent injuries, Lobsang was sentenced to three years. However, he was released under medical parole.

Gyaltsen Dolkar (b. 1971) lay name Dawa, is from Meldro Ruthog in Meldrogungkar County, Lhasa City. She has an older brother and a sister who is also a nun. Her brother escaped to India from Tibet in 1992. Gyaltsen is the youngest in her nomadic family.

On 21 August 1990, a group of 16 pro-independence demonstrators, including seven nuns from Garu Nunnery, eight from Michungri Nunnery and one monk from Sera initiated a demonstration disrupting a state-run opera festival. It was the first day of the week-long Shoton (yogurt) festival. The group shouted slogans protesting the Chinese settlers and supporting the Dalai Lama. They were immediately arrested and taken away by the PSB of Lhasa City.

Gyaltsen Dolkar was one of the Garu nuns and according to the sentence paper issued on 30 November 1990, Gyaltsen was charged with "counter-revolutionary" activities and sentenced to four years in prison and deprived of political rights for one year.

In June 1993, while still in prison, Gyaltsen and 13 other nuns recorded songs and messages to their families and friends on a smuggled tape recorder. Each nun dedicated a song or a poem expressing their feelings of hope and aspirations. When prison authorities discovered this clandestine activity, the nuns faced severe repercussions. On 8 October 1993, the nuns had their sentences extended ranging from five to nine years. Gyaltsen received an eight-year extension bringing her total sentence to 12 years.

Both Gyaltsen's parents passed away in 1993. Prior to his death, her father visited her twice but her mother was never once allowed to visit her. Gyaltsen has a nun sister who is her only visitor in prison. However, since she has no regular source of income she can not afford to visit her often in prison.

Gyaltsen's involvement in the May 1998 demonstration resulted in exceptional ill treatment (see Background - Friday, 1 May 1998). While all the nuns were beaten brutally some nuns were susceptible to worse treatment for the mere fact that they were unfortunate to have severe interrogators. Gyaltsen was reportedly stripped completely naked by six men (three Tibetan and three Chinese) who beat her and jeered watching her squirm in shame. They struck her with electric shocks all over her body and inside her mouth and genitals. This went on approximately an hour. Her bunkmate Choeying Gyaltsen who upon her release escaped to India in 2000 reports, "When Gyaltsen came back that night after her interrogation session, she could not walk properly. She was walking with her legs spread apart and was black and blue all over. She could not even climb up her bunk so I exchanged bed with her. The authorities were trying to discern who led the protest and because it was not led by any one they would not believe her and beat her further."

Gyaltsen Thokmey (b. 1969) lay name Ngawang Woeser, was a monk of Sera Monastery when he was arrested in 1996. A `work team' comprising of approximately 160 members came to Sera on 21 May 1996 to conduct patriotic `re-education' sessions. They stayed at the monastery for four months. During the time, the `work team' officials ordered all photos of the Dalai Lama be removed from the monastery. Gyaltsen felt that if he could not keep a picture of the Dalai Lama, the practice of his faith would be threatened. He vehemently opposed the `work team' members presence and refute their orders.

On 27 September 1996, Gyaltsen was arrested while attempting to put up a poster ordering the monastery to remain closed. He was immediately taken to Seitru Detention Centre, where he remained for two months. After this period, he was transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre where he awaited trial. He was finally tried at the beginning of 1997 and sentenced to six years' imprisonment in Drapchi Prison. He is expected to be released in 2002.

Jampa Dawa (b. 1970) lay name Dawa, is a monk from Phenpo Langdar Monastery who was arrested on 28 April 1995. Jampa, along with two friends, Jampa Gyatso (b. 1970) lay name Gyatso and Bhuchung ¹, were arrested for staging a peaceful pro-independence demonstration in the Barkhor of Lhasa City. Jampa Dawa was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, and Jampa Gyatso was sentenced to five years' imprisonment. Both monks are serving their sentences in Drapchi Prison. Bhuchung's sentence is unknown.

Jampa Jorden (b. 1960) is a former monk of Gaden Monastery in South India. Jampa, who is from Chushul Jenub in Lhasa City, visited India in the early nineties to seek the Dalai Lama's blessings. He then joined Gaden Monastery in South India. However, in 1995, Jampa decided to return to Tibet. On his way back, Chinese police arrested him at the border, while trying to enter Tibet. He was charged with `espionage' and sentenced to six years' imprisonment. On 11 October 1995, he was transferred to Drapchi Prison, where he is currently incarcerated.

Jampal (b. 1973), a nun from Chubsang Nunnery was arrested with three other nuns for demonstrating at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa City. The nuns were arrested at different dates between 1 July 1996 and 6 July 1996. The other nuns were Phuntsok Youdon (b. 1973), Lobsang Choedon (b. 1979) and Tsenyi (b. 1971). Jampal and Tsenyi were sentenced to six years' imprisonment. Phuntsok and Lobsang were sentenced to three years' imprisonment. After their sentencing the four nuns were transferred to Drapchi Prison. Phuntsok and Lobsang were released after completion of their sentences. Jampal and Tsenyi are currently in Drapchi Prison.

Jampel Gedun (b. 1960) lay name Jamyang, a monk from Gaden Monastery was arrested with 13 other monks after a demonstration that took place near the Jokhang Temple on 20 March 1992. Jampel, from Meldogungkar, was accompanied by Lobsang Lungtok (b. 1968) from Lhasa, Tenzin Phuntsok from Meldro, Lobsang Yeshi (b. 1970) from Meldro, Lobsang Legshe (b. 1967) from Meldro, Tsultrim Dhonden (b. 1968) from Toelung, Jamyang (b. 1963) from Meldro Thanka, Lobsang Tenzin ² (b. 1970) from Lhasa Nyanden, Dawa1 (b. 1970) from Jaramdo, Dawa2 (b. 1962) from Meldro Thankgya Drok township, Tsering Phuntsok (b. 1963) from Lhasa Kyire, Sonam Bagdro (b. 1963), Lobsang Jampa (b. 1962), and Thupten Kunphel. The demonstration, in which some 250 peaceful protesters participated, carried Tibetan national flags and shouted pro-independence and anti-Chinese slogans. Plain clothed and uniformed police, who beat and arrested the monks, crushed the demonstration. Jampel received a sentence of nine years' imprisonment and is serving in Drapchi Prison. Lobsang Jampa was sentenced to eight years and is serving in Drapchi Prison. Lobsang Lungtok was sentenced to seven years. Tenzin Phuntsok was sentenced to six years. Lobsang Yeshi and Lobsang Legshe were both sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Tsultrim Dhonden was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. The six monks were transferred to Drapchi Prison following their sentencing. The other seven monks' sentences are not known: Jamyang, Lobsang Tenzin, Dawa, Dawa, Tsering Phuntsok, Sonam Bhagdro, and Thupten Kunphel. Except for Tsultrim Dhonden and Thupten Kunphel, who are from Drepung Monastery, the other monks are from Gaden Monastery.

Jampel Jangchup (b. 1967) lay name Yougyal, is from Toelung Dechen County, and a former monk of Drepung Monastery. Jampel comes from a family of seven or eight children, several of whom have passed away. Having lost his father at an early age, Jampel's family has experienced great difficulties due to lack of financial resources.

Jampel was one of the Drepung monks who initiated the September 1987 demonstration (see Background - Sunday, 27 September 1987). Jampel was detained along with nine of the members, which clandestinely produced political literatures and distributed them extensively. Amongst the "reactionary literature" published by the group was a complete Tibetan translation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They also reported political unrest in Tibet, criticised human rights violations by the Chinese, listed names of people arrested or killed by the Chinese police and military, and alerted Tibetans to the international support for their cause. Another document, "The Meaning of the Precious Democratic Constitution of Tibet," described a parliamentary system for an independent Tibet which relied upon the traditional principles of Buddhist dialectics to analyse the concept of democracy as well as a call to Tibetans to fight "with inner strength" for freedom. The group was branded as "the scum of religious circles," and on 16 April 1989, Jampel and the rest of the members in the group were unofficially detained. In order to make an example of them the Chinese authorities staged a public trial of the monks in front of a gathering of approximately 1500 Tibetans in Lhasa on 30 November 1989. The group received sentences ranging from five to 19 years' imprisonment. Of the ten monks, four remain in prison today. Jampel and Ngawang Phulchung were sentenced to 19 years; Ngawang Gyaltsen lay name Ngodup Gyaltsen and Ngawang Woeser lay name Jamyang to 17 years. One of the ten monks died in custody, Kalsang Thutop, in 1996 after serving seven years of his 18-year sentence (see Ngawang Gyaltsen). The remaining monks have been released after completing their prison sentences: Jampel Losellay name Tendar, sentenced to ten years; Ngawang Rinchen, sentenced to nine years; Ngawang Kunga, sentenced to five years; Jampel Tsering and Jampel Monlam, sentenced to five years.

Authorities said the ten had formed a `counter-revolutionary' organisation based at Drepung Monastery. The group had been actively involved in printing and smuggling out pro-independence documents, usually reporting on recent dissident activity in Tibet. There they had produced "reactionary literature" which attacked the Chinese government and "venomously slandered the people's democratic dictatorship."

The Drepung group's most important document to have reached the west was a detailed political manifesto emphasising the Tibetans' legal right to self- determination and to a fully democratic system. In attempts to avoid inciting anti-Chinese feeling, the document urged Tibetans to fight "with inner strength" and called for an end of "foreign domination." The men were transferred to Drapchi Prison on 15 January 1990.

On 27 April 1991, five political prisoners were singled out and transferred as punishment for attempting to hand a letter over to U.S. Ambassador James Lilley (see Lobsang Tenzin). ³. Thinking that the five men had been killed, the prisoners initiated a mass protest, which was violently suppressed by prison officials. When a group including Jampel asked a guard about the whereabouts of the missing men, the guard phoned for assistance and a large contingent of armed soldiers moved in. Each prisoner were tied up with rope, and beaten until unconscious by four or five guards. The prison authorities were not allowed to intervene. Most of the protesting men, including Jampel, were thrown into isolation cells, some in manacles.

Jampel was sentenced in 1989 to 19 years' imprisonment with five years deprivation of political rights. His former prison mates, who have managed to escape to India, say he suffers severe kidney problems and his eyesight is gradually deteriorating.

Jamyang Gyatso (b. 1967) lay name Kalsang, is a monk from Gyantse Palchoe Monastery in the `TAR.' In November 1996, Jamyang visited Drepung Monastery in Lhasa to seek blessings from the revered Lamrim Rinpoche. While in Lhasa, he obtained a copy of the long-life prayer composed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the reincarnate Panchen Rinpoche, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. He took the prayer back to his monastery, made copies and distributed it to fellow monks and others in his local community while informing people about the plight of the XI Panchen Lama.

The Gyantse PSB became aware of Jamyang's activities, and arrested him on 20 November 1996. He was immediately taken to Gyantse Detention Centre, where he was interrogated. He faced brutal beatings during interrogation and was detained for a period of one month. After one month, he was transferred to Nyari Detention Centre in Shigatse.

In Nyari, he continued to suffer severe beatings at the hands of the prison authorities. In March 1997, he was tried on charges of `endangering state security.' He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, and one-year deprivation of political rights.

After four months of incarceration in Nyari Detention Centre, Jamyang was transferred to Drapchi Prison, where he continues to serve his prison term.

Jamyang is the youngest of four children. He comes from a reasonably well off family. His father, prior to retirement, was the mayor of his town and one of his brothers is a doctor. Jamyang attended school for seven years, completing primary school in an institution established by the PRC government. He joined Gyantse Palchoe Monastery when he was 16 years old as a novice monk, and was ordained in 1987.

Jhangchup Dolma (b. 1972) lay name Palkyi, is a nun from Yangchen Galo Nunnery in Damshung County who reportedly became insane due to prison ill treatment she received while in detention. Jhangchup was arrested for participating in a political demonstration in the Barkhor on 28 February 1995, along with her cousin Rinchen Palmo (b. 1972). Four PSB officials immediately arrested the two nuns, and kicked and punched them while they were being taken to Gutsa Detention Centre where they were detained for five months. For the first two months in Gutsa, the nuns experienced severe ill treatment whereby the authorities kicked and punched them and hit them with electric batons. During their stay in Gutsa, the nuns were denied any visitors.

In June 1995, the Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa sentenced Jhangchup and Rinchen to five years' imprisonment with a deprivation of political rights for two years. Along with 58 other nuns, Jhangchup and Rinchen were transferred to Drapchi Prison occupying the new rukhag # 3. Jhangchup and Rinchen faced similar kind of punishment on their arrival at Drapchi. (see Che Che). Eventually, Jhangchup developed ulcer and kidney problems. She could not eat properly. She was scrutinised by the prison officials and often faced reprisals for trivial matters. Jhangchup found it suffocating and ultimately became insane.

On 20 February 1997, during a meeting in a prison, Rinchen was subjected to solitary confinement for showing `bad expression' at prison officials. Unable to bear this, Jhangchup questioned the prison officials. That evening prison officials took her away at 6 pm and she did not return until midnight. Upon her return, she told her cellmates that she had endured severe beatings for six hours.

Jhangchup continued to get into trouble and receive beatings for her intrepid behaviour. Jhangchup did not hesitate to complain about anything including food. Once in 1997, she told prison officers that the tingmo was mouldy. She was immediately taken in for beatings. She was reportedly struck on her lips and the back of her head with electric shock. Again in November 1997, Jhangchup, along with ten other cellmates were kept standing barefoot in cold water for reciting prayers. Jhangchup received additional beatings for laughing at the prison officials.

Following the Drapchi Prison Protests, Jhangchup along with 15 other nuns were put in solitary confinement for three months until August 1998 (see Background - Friday, 1 May 1998). During this time, she was again hit with electric batons, rubber cords, and belt buckles on her head and over her body. As a result, Jhangchup suffered a fracture in her finger.

In October 1998, Jhangchup's sentence was increased by six years. Jhangchub Dolma now suffers from complex health problems, but has not received any medical assistance.

Jigme Gyalpo (b. 1972) and Bhukhog (b. 1971) are from Tsashod township in Meldrogungkar County. Jigme was arrested on 20 April 1995, and Bhukhog was arrested in May 1995. Both men were arrested for their pro-independence activities. In April 1995, the two men pasted three posters in front of the township government office. The posters contained slogans, such as "Tibet is independent" and "Chinese quit Tibet", and drawings of a snow lion and snow-capped mountains resembling the Tibetan national flag. On the same night, the two were reported to have destroyed the main gate of the township government office, and took down the Chinese national flag and dumped it in the garbage.

After one month of investigation, PSB officials from Meldrogungkar took the two men in custody. Bhukhog was arrested in the Kongpo region of Southeastern Tibet. Jigme Gyalpo was arrested from his home when more than 15 PSB officials in two trucks reportedly stormed his house around 3 am without an arrest warrant.

Bhukhog and Jigme were both taken to Meldrogungkar Detention Centre, where they endured interrogation sessions and severe beatings, resulting in Jigme's ribs being broken. During his five months of detention at Meldrogungkar Detention Centre, Jigme was forbidden from receiving any visitors. It was not until he was transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre in October 1995 that he was able to inform his relatives of his injury.

During a visit in Gutsa, his relatives brought him a change of clothes. Jigme, in turn, gave them his old clothes, which were covered with blood.

After another series of interrogation at Gutsa, Jigme and Bhukhog were both sentenced to six years' imprisonment and were transferred to Drapchi Prison.

Jigme Gyatso (b. 1962) is a monk from Gaden Monastery who is currently serving 15 years for his involvement in political activities. Jigme is an only child, born in Bhartha village, Gansu "TAP", Gansu Province. During the mid-1980s, Jigme 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 Lhasa City. Between 1988 and 1989, Jigme was the leader of a secret youth organisation named the "Association of Tibetan Freedom Movement." He was able to distribute freedom leaflets to visitors at the monastery as he worked in the administrative section. On 17 January 1992 (Tibetan calendar), Jigme organised one of the major demonstrations that took place in Lhasa that year. Many of the demonstrators were arrested and detained by the PSB and officials of the anti-riot department. Jigme was not arrested at that time, although officials of PSB suspected his involvement and kept him under strict surveillance. His movements were scrutinised. Unable to bear such inspection, Jigme left the monastery. A fellow member of the Association, Samdup Tsering, was arrested on 2 July 1993, for his involvement in political activities. At that time, an arrest warrant was issued for Jigme Gyatso and another member of the Association, Jamyang Tsultrim, castigating them as "wanted splittists." The authorities searched both men's residences. Samdup Tsering was later charged with "inciting counter-revolutionary propaganda." He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

The authorities continued to search for Jigme Gyatso until 1996. Jigme's friends were summoned and questioned regarding his whereabouts. Officials, in order to extract information, reportedly tortured them.

On 30 March 1996 Jigme was in Tsongla Yangzom Restaurant, located in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, when PAP and PSB officials surrounded him. Jamyang Tsultrim owned the restaurant and the authorities closed it down after discovering that it was "a meeting venue for the Association."

After his arrest, Jigme was immediately taken to the anti-riot department, which is on the same road as Drapchi Prison. Jigme was detained there for one day and one night. He was tortured during the interrogation sessions. The following day, Jigme was taken to Gutsa Detention Centre and detained for one year until March 1997.

Jigme was placed in the `interrogation cell' for the first six months in Gutsa where he faced severe interrogation sessions. After six months he was caught attempting to send a letter to Gonpo Tseten, another political prisoner from Gaden Monastery. He paid a heavy price for this attempt. For six months following the incident, his hands and legs were manacled. When this incident was broadcasted over the radio station "Voice of America" it resulted in him receiving further torture.

Jigme was formally tried in May 1997. He refused any legal representation as he felt it was futile. During the trial, Jigme accepted all the charges stated against him. The trial court asked him if he regretted his deeds, he replied "No, my acts are peaceful and non-violent." He also pleaded that all the charges and penalties imposed on his friends should be transferred to him. He argued that his friends were ignorant and not responsible. Jigme was finally sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment on charges of "disseminating counter-revolutionary propaganda", incitement and having illegally formed the organisation "Association of Tibetan Freedom Movement." His friends were each sentenced to five years' imprisonment. Their names are Dhargyal ¹ (b. 1968) from Meldro Gyama, Yeshi (b. 1966) from Tsang, Lobsang Woeser (b. 1963), and Tseten ¹ both from Meldrogungkar. Sichoe Tsering (b. 1971) was sentenced to two years' imprisonment at Trisam `re-education through labour' Prison. Tseten and Lobsang Woeser were arrested on 18 December 1996. Dhargyal and Yeshi were arrested on 25 December 1996. Sichoe Tsering was arrested in December 1996, and has been released after completing his sentence. Lobsang fell ill while being detained, and was released on medical parole in September 1998.

Three months after sentencing, Jigme and three of his friends were transferred to Drapchi Prison. In October 1998, a group of security officials from Gansu Province entered Jigme's cell, and as punishment for his involvement in political activities in his hometown, they threw him against the wall, and repeatedly hit him with a beer bottle, leaving him unconscious. Jigme was then taken to an unknown location for nine days where he continued to receive severe beatings and torture.

After the Drapchi 1 May and 4 May 1998 Prison Protests, Jigme was one of the many prisoners placed in solitary confinement. His current health condition is of serious concern to his friends since his mother passed away in 1997 and has no relatives visiting him in prison.

Jigme Yangchen (b. 1972) lay name Yangchen, is from Kyimshe township in Lhoka Gongkar, Jigme stayed at home with her parents until she was 17 years old. In 1987, Jigme joined Shugseb Nunnery in Chushul County, `TAR.' It was at Shugseb Nunnery that Jigme became involved in the demonstration of August 1990. Her parents, who are farmers, are in their late 60s. She has two older brothers, a sister, and a younger brother. Her younger brother, who is married, lives with her parents in their hometown. Her sister is also married and lives with her husband. One of her elder brothers, a carpenter, lives in Lhasa. The other brother was a monk at the Sungrabling Monastery, but because of his political enthusiasm and involvement in political activities he was expelled from the monastery.

Arrested with five other nuns for staging a peaceful demonstration in the Barkhor, Lhasa City, Jigme was sentenced to a seven-year prison term in 1991. On 28 August 1990, these nuns, all from Shugseb Nunnery, shouted slogans in the streets of Barkhor "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama", "Free Tibet", and "Chinese quit Tibet." The six were: Woeser Choekey (b. 1966), Rinzin Choekey (b. 1966) Yangzom, Penpa Dolkar (b. 1966), Palden Choedon (b. 1966) lay name Palden Yangkyi, Chime Dolkar (b. 1966) lay name Chime Dickey, and Jigme Yangchen They were immediately arrested by the PSB and taken to a detention centre located east of Lhasa. There, the authorities in charge harshly beat the nuns. Their interrogation sessions included acts of humiliation, beatings, and punishment. The officials harassed them by repeatedly asking them the same questions while physically beating them. Jigme Yangchen suffered severe physical injuries as a result. In January 1991, the Lhasa People's Intermediate Court sentenced her to seven years' imprisonment and a further two years deprivation of political rights. Rinzin Choekey was also sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and is currently serving her sentence in Drapchi Prison. Palden Choedon, who was released after completing her sentence, was re-arrested in 1999 for attempting to escape to India. She has been sentenced to three years' imprisonment in Trisam `re-education through labour.' The other three nuns have been released after completing their sentences. A few months later in March 1991, Jigme Yangchen was transferred to Drapchi Prison.

During the Tibetan New Year in 1992, prison officials ordered prisoners in rukhag # 3 to wear new prison uniforms in stead of the traditional Tibetan dress, which was allowed before. The inmates refused to change. PAP officers were called and the nuns were beaten, punched, kicked and jabbed with electric shocks. Five PAP officers beat one nun at a time. Reports received at that time indicated that 50 to 60 members of the PAP tortured the nuns continuously for three days. They were all seriously injured and some sustained permanent impairments as a result.

In October 1993, while still in prison, Jigme Yangchen participated in the cassette recording activity (see Gyaltsen Dolkar). Jigme Yangchen received an additional five-year sentence bringing her total sentence to 12 years. Following the 1998 demonstration in Drapchi, Jigme received further beatings and torture.

Jigme Yangchen is reported to be in extremely poor health. She is severely underweight, and very pale. She suffers from various internal ailments due to the numerous beatings she has endured over the years.