Publications

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Prisoners of Tibet

Profiles of Current Political Prisoners

Kalsang Tsering (b. 1977) and Kalsang Wangdue ¹ (b. 1976) are two monks from Pangsa Monastery in Meldrogungkar County, who were arrested in June 1997 for pasting pro-independence posters. The posters first appeared in the monastery on 1 June 1997, and Kalsang Wangdue was arrested on 12 June 1997. Kalsang Tsering was arrested a few days later on 17 June 1997. Both men were sentenced to six years' imprisonment, and are currently being held in Drapchi Prison.

Kalsang Wangdue ² (b. 1971) lay name Lobsang Dorjee, was a monk of Phurbu Chog Monastery located north of Lhasa, at the time of his arrest. Kalsang was arrested with three other monks from the same monastery: Lobsang Lhundrup (b. 1971), Lobsang Sherab ² (b. 1970), and Thupten Kalsang (b. 1973). The four monks were arrested on 16 May 1992, for participating in a peaceful demonstration around Jokhang in Lhasa City. During the demonstration, the four monks shouted slogans of Tibetan independence and carried the Tibetan national flag. The four were formally arrested on 21 August 1992 and were sentenced on 16 September 1992 by the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court. The four monks were charged with `counter-revolutionary propaganda and incitement.' Kalsang Wangdue was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment; Lobsang Lhundrup was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment; Lobsang Sherab was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment; and Thupten Kalsang was sentenced to six years' imprisonment. Both Kelsang Wangdue and Lobsang Sherab are serving their sentences in Drapchi Prison. Lobsang Lhundrup and Thupten Kalsang have been released from prison after completing their prison terms.

Khedrup (b. 1976) is a monk of Gongkar Choede Monastery. He was arrested in 1996, and initially detained in Tsethang Detention Centre. Due to his six-year sentence, he has reportedly been transferred to an unknown prison complex although further details of Khedrup are not known.

Kunchok Tsering (b. 1961) was a monk of Pangsa Monastery when he was arrested with two other monks from the same monastery. Nyima Tenzin (b. 1964), Nyima Wangdue (b. 1972) and Kunchok were arrested on 1 June 1993. On 31 May the three monks pasted pro-independence posters in Meldrogungkar County near the monastery. They were arrested the following day and taken to Meldro County Detention Centre. They were later transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre for further interrogation before being sentenced. Kunchok was sentenced to eight years, Nyima Tenzin was sentenced to seven years, and Nyima Wangdue was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. All three were transferred to Drapchi Prison to serve their sentences. Nyima Wangdue was released after completing his sentence. Kunchok and Nyima Tenzin remain in Drapchi Prison.

Legshe Tsokey (b. 1967) lay name Bhuchung, is a monk from Nalanda Monastery. Legshe was arrested on 30 August 1994 after a group of "work team" members visited the monastery. Legshe was suspected of pasting posters in the monastery protesting the arrival of the "work team" members at the monastery. He was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment, and is currently incarcerated in Drapchi Prison.

Lhasang (b. 1971) is a monk from Gonsar Monastery in Phenpo Lhundrup County. Lhasang was arrested in 1995 for participating in a freedom demonstration in Lhasa City. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment in Drapchi Prison. Due to his involvement in the May 1998 Drapchi Protest, Lhasang's sentence was increased by an additional four years in October 1998. He is currently serving a nine-year term in Drapchi Prison.

Lhundrup Dorje (b. 1968), Sonam Dorje (b. 1968), Sonam Rinchen (b. 1968), and Kunchok Lodroe (b. 1968) are farmers from Dasher village in Meldrogungkar County. On 30 June 1992, the four disrupted a political `re-education' meeting in the village of Meldro Gyama Trikhang in Meldrogungkar County. They rushed on stage, seized the microphone, and wrestled with the officials shouting pro-independence and anti-Chinese statements while exhibiting a Tibetan national flag. After the original four demonstrators were dragged away and beaten by the PAP, approximately one hundred villagers began shouting similar slogans. Thupten Yeshi (b. 1949), a fellow farmer in Dasher village, was detained on 6 July 1992 (see Thupten Yeshi). He was believed to be the leader of the demonstration although he did not take part in the demonstration. The Lhasa Intermediate People's Court sentenced the five farmers on 20 October 1992, on charges of leading a large demonstration. Thupten was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment and five years deprivation of political rights. Kunchok, Sonam Dorje, and Sonam Rinchen were all sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment and four years subsequent deprivation of political rights. Sonam Rinchen died in January 2000, after being sick for more than three years without treatment. Lhundrup was severely injured during the protest, and received a 15-year prison sentence with five years deprivation of political rights. Kunchok was released on medical parole in 1996. Thupten, Lhundrup, and Sonam Dorje are currently serving their sentences in Drapchi Prison.

Lhundrup Kalsang (b. 1971) lay name Jamyang, is a monk from Gyantse Palchoe Monastery who was arrested with three others from Gyantse County. In 1996, Lhundrup's teacher Lobsang Damchoe (b. 1941) gave the `Long Life Prayer' for the Panchen Lama, composed by the Dalai Lama, to his friend Bhu chung-chung (b. 1959) in order to make several copies. Lhundrup, Lobsang and Migmar Dhondup (b. 1968) distributed the prayers around the monasteries in Gyantse County.

On 2 November 1996, during a Buddhist prayer in Palchoe Monastery, they distributed the `Long Life Prayer' amongst the monks. On 5 December 1996, the Gyantse County PSB officials arrested the three monks. After their arrest, Lobsang's room was searched and the officials found the forbidden Tibetan national flag and political leaflets. After a few days, Bhu chung-chung, a teacher of Gyantse County Middle School, was arrested. The four were detained in Gyantse Detention Centre for four months before being transferred to Nyari Detention Centre. Lhundrup and Migmar were sentenced to five years' imprisonment. Lobsang was sentenced to six years' imprisonment. Bhu chung-chung was sentenced to two years' imprisonment. Both Lhundrup and Migmar were transferred to Drapchi Prison. Their teacher Lobsang was too ill to be moved to Drapchi Prison following sentencing and was serving his sentence in Nyari Detention Centre. In late 1997, Lobsang was released on medical parole. Bhu chung-chung has been released after completing his sentence, and was expelled from his job as a teacher.

Lobsang Choekyi (b. 1970) lay name Choekyi Wangmo, is from Shar Bumpa Nunnery. Choekyi was detained along with Lobsang Choezin lay name Saldon, Choeying Gyaltsen lay name Chime Yangchen, Gyaltsen Sherab lay name Phurbu and Tsultrim Sangmo lay name Choekyi on 14 June 1996 for participating in a demonstration. She was sentenced to four years' imprisonment in Drapchi. Tsultrim Sangmo died following the Drapchi Protest and the others have since been released.

Following the Drapchi Protest Chokeyi was singled out with Ngawang Sangdrol (see Background - Friday, 1 May 1998). and Ngawang Sangdrol). for having `led' the protest for inhumane beatings and punishement. Choekyi was sent back to Gutsa Detention Centre where she was put in the solitary confinement cells and subjected to further intensive beatings. After two months of detention in Gutsa, Choekyi was returned to Drapchi with severe intestinal illness and bowel blockage.

Choekyi's release was delayed along with the three other nuns of Shar Bumpa. Their release was expected few weeks after the death incidents took place following Drapchi Protest on 14 June 1996 for participating in a demonstration. She was sentenced to four years' imprisonment in Drapchi. Tsultrim Sangmo died following the Drapchi Protest and the others have since been released.

Following the Drapchi Protest Chokeyi was singled out with Ngawang Sangdrol (see Background - Friday, 1 May 1998). and was suspended until 28 December 1999 when Choekyi received an additional one year and six months to her original sentence of four years.

Lobsang Choejor (b. 1970) is a Khangmar monk originally from Damshung County. He was arrested with five other monks from Khangmar Monastery. After staging a peaceful demonstration in the Barkhor of Lhasa City on 1 May 1996, the six monks were immediately arrested. Although the names of the other five monks are not known, they have reportedly been released following the completion of their sentences. Lobsang Choejor, however, was suspected of being the `ringleader' and therefore sentenced to five years' imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison.

Lobsang Gedun (b. 1968), a monk of Dechen Sangak Monastery, was arrested on 2 December 1994 for participating in a peaceful demonstration. Lobsang Gedun and five other monks from the same monastery located in Taktse District, hoisted a hand-drawn Tibetan national flag, posters, and a photograph of the Dalai Lama in front of the Taktse District PSB building. The posters stated "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama", "Tibet belongs to Tibetans", and "China Quit Tibet", and were posted on the walls of the government building. The six monks were immediately detained in Gutsa Detention Centre. Lobsang was thought to have spearheaded the demonstration and received a sentence of six years. The remaining five monks have been released after completing their sentences. Lobsang is serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison.

Lobsang Kunchok (b.1974) lay name Choedar, is a monk from Kirti Monastery located in Ngaba County. Ngaba County PSB arrested Lobsang in April 1999. Lobsang was charged with pasting independence posters around Ngaba County. The posters called for "Free Tibet" and "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama." Lobsang's room was thoroughly searched by the Ngaba County PSB while he was detained at the Ngaba County Detention Centre for three days. He was subsequently sentenced by the Barkham People's Court to five years' imprisonment, and taken to Barkham Prison in Ngaba `TAP', Sichuan Province.

Lobsang Ngawang (b. 1971) is a monk from Drak Yerpa Monastery who was sentenced on 11 May 1992. Lobsang Ngawang and two other monks from the same monastery were arrested on 13 March 1992 under suspicion of being involved in pro-independence activities. Lobsang Ngawang was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment and is serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison. The other two monks have reportedly been released.

Lobsang Nyima is from Pashoe County in Chamdo Prefecture. Lobsang was a monk from Pomda Monastery when he was arrested in August 1997. During a `work team' member's visit to the monastery, Lobsang resisted their orders and pretended he could not read a particular Tibetan script that denounced the Dalai Lama. The officials then produced another document written in a script commonly used by monks. Lobsang stated that reading such a document would be against his religious and spiritual beliefs, and that he did not enter the monastery to later defy his faith. The `work team' members immediately took Lobsang to Pomda township office where he was questioned and asked specifically why couldn't he read when the other monks could. He was beaten and ordered to read the document. In response, Lobsang shouted pro-independence slogans. The officers quickly gagged his mouth and took him in a vehicle to Pashoe County PSB Detention Centre. After a month in Pashoe, where the officials severely punished Lobsang, he was transferred to Chamdo Detention Centre. In late 1997, the Chamdo Intermediate People's Court sentenced Lobsang to five years' imprisonment. He was later transferred to Drapchi Prison, where he is currently being held.

Lobsang Sherap ³, Lobsang Tsultrim, and Lobsang Tsering are three monks from Drongsar Monastery in Pashoe County, in eastern Tibet. The three monks were sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment after being incarcerated in various prisons. The PAP and the PSB officials in Pashoe County first arrested them on 2 August 1995. The reason for their arrests was due to their involvement in breaking and pulling down a nameplate with the inscription "Pashoe People's Government" in Chedar Sub-County. They were also arrested for putting up wall posters which read: "We will never accept the boy chosen by Chinese authorities as the reincarnation of the late Panchen Lama", "Long Live Gedun Choekyi Nyima" and "We will continue to oppose the Chinese rule in Tibet." They were first imprisoned in Pashoe County Prison for one month. Later they were taken to Chamdo and incarcerated for further two months. The three monks were eventually sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment and transferred to Drapchi Prison where they currently remain.

Lobsang Tenzin ³ (b. 1966) is a former student of Tibet University in Lhasa. Lobsang was arrested in 1988 following a massive riot in Lhasa City. He lived in Lhasa with his mother, Dolkar, and eight brothers and sisters. From age eight to 13, Lobsang was a student at Bonshod Elementary School. From 14 to 19, he studied at the Lhasa Intermediate School until he enrolled at Tibet University, at the age of 20.

On 5 March 1988, Lobsang was arrested for throwing stones and fighting with a Chinese official during a demonstration in Lhasa. He was then implicated as the "principal culprit" in the death of a PAP officer. Lobsang was immediately taken to Gutsa Detention Centre, where he was beaten severely with wooden sticks and iron rods. His entire body was bruised including four large wounds to his head. These events were described to his mother, during a visit with him in prison.

On 16 April 1988, the Chinese authorities widely broadcasted Lobsang's arrest and expulsion from the university through the use of television, radio, and newspapers. At this time, Special Police legally notified the family of his arrest.

On 19 January 1989, Lobsang Tenzin, along with five other Tibetans, was finally sentenced by the Lhasa People's Intermediate Court. All six were charged in connection of the death of the PAP officer. Lobsang Tenzin was charged as the primary instigator, and was sentenced o death within a two-year period. The other men involved were Sonam Wangdue, layname Shugden, sentenced to life imprisonment died in March 1999 at his residence in Lhasa. Sonam was 44 years old, and his death was directly linked to the torture and inhumane treatment he suffered while in prison. He was granted medical parole in 1993, but was unable to recover from the injuries he had sustained in Drapchi Prison. Gyaltsen Choephel, sentenced to 15 years; Tsering Dhondup, sentenced to ten years; Bhakdro, sentenced to five years; and Tamding, sentenced to five years. Except for Lobsang Tenzin, the others have been released. In March 1991, Lobsang's sentence was commuted to life in prison. This change was due to strong international pressure against the Chinese government.

On 31 March 1991, Lobsang and Tenpa Wangdrak (see Tenpa Wangdrak) were caught attempting to hand over a letter to the then U.S. Ambassador, James Lilley, detailing prison torture and maltreatment. The interpreter accompanying the Ambassador snatched the letter from his hands. The two were viciously beaten and moved to unlit isolation cells. On 27 April, after protest by fellow prisoners (see Jampel Jangchup) on their continued isolation, the two along with three other prisoners, Lobsang Palden, Tenpa Phulchung, who died in November 1998 following his release and Penpa were taken to Sangyip Prison with both their hands and feet chained. The following day, they were again handcuffed and transferred to Powo Tramo Prison, a `reform through labour' unit in Kongpo. The four were held at Damchu, a unit within Powo Tramo Prison Complex. By 1 Junea, when Lobsang's manacles were removed, his health had been severely affected. His brother reported that both his memory and general physical condition were deteriorating when he visited Lobsang in prison in October 1992. ⁵

In 1994, Lobsang's sentence was reduced to 18 years. It is believed that his sentence was reduced for "good behaviour." Lobsang is currently serving in Powo Tramo Prison.

In August 1999, a visitor of one of Lobsang's fellow inmates reported that he was in a very poor health condition. He has suffered a damaged kidney causing his body to become numb, making it extremely difficult for him to stand. Lobsang will be released in 2006.

Lobsang Tsondrue ¹ (b. 1967), Buchung ² (b. 1975), Dhargyal ² (b. 1971), Ngawang Kalsang (b. 1971) lay name Norbu, Nordi, Tenzin Choedron (b. 1967), Tenzin Gyaltsen (b. 1967), Tenzin Jigme (b. 1975) lay name Pasang, and Tenzin Namgyal (b. 1968) lay name Jigme are all monks from Jang Taglung Monastery. The nine monks were arrested on 15 February 1995 for staging a peaceful pro-independence protest in Lhasa. This protest was the second of a two-part protest. The other protest occurred previously on 11 February 1995. The monks were arrested and taken to Gutsa Detention Centre. Lobsang Tsondrue, from Phenpo Lhundrup County, was sentenced to six years. Ngawang Kalsang was sentenced to five years. Tenzin Namgyal, from Phenpo Lhundrup County, was sentenced to five years. Lobsang Tsondrue, Ngawang Kalsang, and Tenzin Namgyal are serving their sentences in Drapchi Prison. The remaining six monks' sentences are not known. They are all from Phenpo Lhundrup County. Buchung, Dhargyal, and Tenzin Jigme are believed to be serving their sentences in Drapchi Prison. The whereabouts of Nordi, Tenzin Choedron, and Tenzin Gyaltsen are not known.

Lobsang Tsondrue ² (b. 1947) is a nomad from Meldrogungkar County. He was first arrested in December 1989 under suspicion of political activities occurring in 1988. Lobsang was accused of pasting posters and pictures of the Dalai Lama in Ruthog township of Meldrogungkar County and for turning public photographs of Mao Tsedong upside-down. He was arrested and sentenced to three years' imprisonment at Meldro County Detention Centre. He was released in 1992, but his political struggle did not stop. In July 1992, Lobsang climbed up Gaden Wangpo hill and hoisted the Tibetan flag in front of a large gathering. He was immediately arrested and taken to Meldro County Detention Centre where he remained for five months before being transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre. After a year in Gutsa, he was finally sentenced by the Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa to eight years' imprisonment, and then transferred to Drapchi Prison. In 1996, Lobsang was hospitalised due to injuries he sustained as a result of torture by the prison officials. After his recovery, he was returned to Drapchi Prison to complete his sentence. His family was charged for all medical expenses incurred during his hospitalisation.

Lodroe Gyatso (b. 1961) was a dance artist and weight lifting champion from Sog County in Nagchu Prefecture, which is 326 kilometres from Lhasa. He belonged to the `TAR' Tsaronk township # 3. His father, Jigme, died at the age of 87 and his mother, Sonam Yeshi, is currently living in Sog County with his younger brother Tenzin Dhargyal. Lodroe is known by the people of Sog District as a man of strong political convictions who possesses an immense love for his country.

In 1993, Lodroe's sister, Lharik, was killed in a car crash that was being driven by, Gayoel, a Tibetan man who is known as a strong Chinese supporter. Lodroe filed a murder charge against Gayoel, but the case was left pending for over a year and Gayoel was ultimately pronounced "not guilty." After the trial Gayoel reportedly told people that he would kill Lodroe one day. Upon hearing this threat, Lodroe once again attempted to file a case with the Sog County Police Station, but this time the authorities refused to register the case.

In January 1993, Lodroe was asked to stop by the Nagchu Post Office, as there was new information relating to the case. On 17 January 1993, as Lodroe went into the market he met Gayoel. Lodroe also took out a knife and a fight broke out.

Gayoel was reportedly carrying a pistol and unsuccessfully tried to shoot Lodroe twice. Two policemen stood by during the conflict and did nothing to interrupt it. However, when Gayoel was stabbed, the police arrested Lodroe. Eight officials of the PAP took Gayoel to the army headquarters where he was admitted into a hospital for treatment. The `TAR' Middle People's Court found Lodroe guilty of attempt of murder and sentenced him on 20 April 1994 to 15 years' imprisonment.

While serving his term in the first block of Drapchi Prison, Lodroe conceived of a plan to contact political prisoners residing in the fifth block and distribute political literature before the Tibetan New Year. On 4 March 1995, he received permission from prison authorities allowing him to visit another block alone in order to get medicine for a serious blood pressure problem. This allowed Lodroe his chance to begin a demonstration, beginning from below the fifth block, and continuing along the sixth, fourth, and second blocks, concluding in the courtyard near the first block. During this lone demonstration, Lodroe shouted "Tibet is independent", "All Chinese should go back to China", and "Six million Tibetans are united." Along his walk, Lodroe distributed pamphlets and hung posters that stated such slogans as, "If His Holiness has no obstacles in his 25th year, then he will become the ruler of all realms in his 60th year. The Tibetans have been under Chinese rule for 36 years and on this day, to commemorate the Tibetan people's independence struggle, I represent the entire Tibetan people." Lodroe read the posters 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 of the sixth block; snatched away the pamphlets and clamped thumb cuffs on Lodroe. 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.

He was taken to the torture cell where he was untied and beaten again. Pema Rinzin and the Chinese official of the sixth block beat him on his genitals and abdomen. During this beating, the head of the prison, Phuntsok Yong told Lodroe: "If the Dalai Lama were here, I would put him here along with you. I should kill you and if I don't increase your prison sentence, don't call me by my name."

Three days later, Lee Tue Tang, Liu Bao and Zhao demanded that Lodroe "confess to his mistakes." He refused by saying, "even if you kill me I will not confess" and continued to shout, "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama" and "Free Tibet." He was then strangled and kicked causing him severe neck and mouth injury, until he fell unconscious. Such interrogation sessions continued regularly for one month. From 4 March to 5 April 1995, Lodroe's ration was reduced a small piece of tingmo and a small mug of water twice a day.

Prison officials and `Re-education-through-Labour' Commission Officials subsequently called a meeting, made papers to execute Lodroe Gyatso, and forwarded them to the prosecution division. In April 1995, while the Intermediate People's Court execution order was awaiting the approval of the Higher People's Court, the prisoners of Drapchi were able to smuggle the news of Lodroe's impending death abroad. UN Special Rapporteur on Extra-Judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions on 18 May 1995 drew and urgent appeal and transmitted the message to China.

On 20 November 1996, Lodroe Gyatso was brutally beaten by prison guards during prison visiting day. Lodroe reportedly walked away from the group awaiting their names to be called out for visitors, to get some sunlight. He was leaning against a wall when the officer-in-charge immediately took him back to his cell. Gyatso was reportedly seen being covered with a black cloth on his head and beaten by prison guards. He was taken into solitary confinement and following his release from there, he was detained along with criminal prisoners.

The Chinese response stated that no execution sentence had been passed, rather that Lodroe'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.