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Prisoners of Tibet

Profiles of Current Political Prisoners - 4

Namdrol Lhamo (b. 1964) lay name Nyidron, is 35 years old and was born in Shigatse Rinpung County in Shigatse Region. Both her parents have passed away when she was very young. Her only sister who mortgaged her house in Shigatse and shifted to Lhasa to be able to visit Namdrol easier raised her. She joined Tashi Choeling Nunnery in 1984 and became a nun. She attended a local school only for one or two years when she was young.

When Namdrol was at the nunnery, she intensively studied religious scriptures. Her period of stay in the nunnery was one of the most active periods of times for independence demonstrations and protests in Tibet. Some nuns from her nunnery had participated in these demonstrations. Inspired and spurred by the independence movement that was at its peak then, Namdrol and two monks from a monastery around Tashi Choeling Nunnery and left for Lhasa in 1990 and staged a demonstration in the Barkhor in Lhasa City. They raised slogans with much fervour like "Tibet is independent'', "Chinese quit Tibet"', "Tibet belongs to Tibetans" and "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama". Immediately, Chinese Public Security Bureau officials came armed with guns and baton sticks to disperse and arrest the protesters. The officers took the three to Gutsa Detention Centre in eastern Lhasa where they received harsh beatings. Long interrogation process coupled with inhumane treatment followed the arrest. Approximately in November 1990, Lhasa Intermediate People's Court issued court verdict on the arrested prisoners. Lhamo at that time was sentenced to six years' imprisonment. They neither appealed nor questioned the court sentence, knowing well the futility of such an act. Namdrol was transferred to Drapchi Prison at the end of the same year.

According to Lobsang Dolma, a former Drapchi inmate, "The prison guards have always regarded Namdrol as difficult and do not have a very good impression of her. She would be singled out for harsh treatments and more beatings. There are times when the prison officials would reportedly beat her for no specific reason." In October 1993, Namdrol was one of the 13 nuns implicated for the cassette recording activity while in prison. Namdrol's sentence was extended to an additional six years of imprisonment, in addition to her earlier six years, making her total sentence to 12 years.

Due to harsh beatings that she sustained from the prison guards, Namdrol's health condition has deteriorated immensely.

During the Drapchi Protest, Namdrol received additional beatings for her participation in the protest. She was detained for three months in solitary confinement. However, Lhamo refused to take any food during her confinement causing immense worry to the prison officers. The officers took her out after three days fearing that she might commit suicide.

It is reported that Lhamo would sit on the floor while other inmate slept on their beds. When the others are busy in their regular `exercise' sessions and hard work, Namdrol would sit upright on her bed. She curses and is constantly talking, which continues to earn her beatings from the prison guards. She has reportedly lost her sanity because of the beatings and torture that she has sustained in the prison.

Namdrol Wangmo (b. 1971) lay name Yangdrol, is a former nun of Phenpo Shar Nunnery. Namdrol is the second youngest of four siblings from a nomadic family. The family is originally from Phenpo Lhundup County, Gelpa township, Rama village.

At the age of eight, Namdrol studied for four years in a Mangtsuk (Public) School. She then sought education in Gelpa township for five years, and continued studying for two years in Lobdring (Middle) School. She then dropped out in order to help her parents in their household chores. For six months she stayed with her parents, after which she joined Phenpo Shar Nunnery in 1990. At that time, the nunnery had 94 nuns out of which save for seven nuns, all the rest were in their early 20's.

Namdrol busied herself with renovating the nunnery. An order to halt the renovation work came in 1993 from officials of Lhundup County and Gelpa township. Reconstruction continued, and another strict order came stating that permission had not been sought from the offices in Lhundup County and Gelpa township. Chinese `work team' would conduct frequent visits to the nunnery, causing disruption to daily religious activities.

Frustrated from not being able to practice her religion regularly, Namdrol along with seven other nuns went to demonstrate in the Barkhor, Lhasa City. She was arrested along with seven other nuns from the same Nunnery when they went to demonstrate in Barkhor, Lhasa City. The seven nuns are Namdrol (b. 1971) lay name Yangdrol and Damchoe Dolma (b. 1976) were sentenced to six years' imprisonment and two years deprivation of political rights. Penpa Lhakyi (b.1976), Lobsang Tsomo (b. 1976) lay name Norkyi, Phuntsok Gachoe (b. 1972) lay name Chime Yangzom, Damchoe Norzin (b. 1974) lay name Choekyi, Choeying Kunsang lay name Tsewang Dolma and Tenzin Dolma.

They started walking on 23 May 1995 and reached Lhasa the following day. On 25 May 1995, their plans were foiled when Lhasa PSB officials put restrictions on them from entering Lhasa City. They managed to enter and started demonstrating in the Barkhor along the lingkor (circumambulation) area around 5 p.m. They shouted slogans like "Tibet is independent", "Chinese quit Tibet" and "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama." Approximately 25 policemen from Lhasa Police Station arrested and beat the nuns, and took them to the Barkhor Police Station where they were kept for an hour. Later, they were transferred to Lhasa Gutsa Detention Centre where the interrogation process involved serious physical abuse. Relatives were not allowed to visit the arrested nuns while in detention.

On 4 July 1995, Lhasa People's Intermediate Court sentenced the nuns on charges of `counter-revolutionary propaganda and incitement.' Both Namdrol and Damchoe Dolma were sentenced to six years' imprisonment and two years deprivation of political rights. Penpa Lhakyi, Norkyi, Phuntsok Gachoe, Choekyi, Choeying Kunsang and Tenzin Dolma were sentenced to four years. The nuns along with other political prisoners were detained in Gutsa Detention Centre for three months.

On 30 July 1995, the nuns along with 60 other political prisoners were transferred to Drapchi Prison (for details see Che Che

Namdrol has suffered kidney problems for a long time, which is deteriorating due to inadequate medication at the appropriate times. During the Drapchi incident in May 1998 at Drapchi Prison, Namdrol was one of the nuns placed in solitary confinement for seven months. Namdrol will be released in 2001.

Ngawang is a monk from Dhagpo Monastery in Meldrogungkar County. Ngawang was arrested under suspicion on pasting pro-independent posters on the evening of 31 May 1992. In early June 1992, PSB officials arrested Ngawang from his residence. After searching his room, the PSB officials found leaflets and the Tibetan national flag. He was immediately taken to Gutsa for interrogation. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment by the Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa and transferred to Drapchi Prison.

Ngawang Choekey (b. 1969) is a nun from Samdrup Dolma Lhakhang Nunnery who is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence. On 14 May 1992 Ngawang and five fellow nuns from Nyen Samdrup Dolma Lhakang Nunnery went to Lhasa. Around 11 am that morning, they initiated a peaceful demonstration in the Barkhor of Lhasa City. They started shouting slogans like "Tibet is a free country", "Chinese get out of Tibet", and "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama." The five other nuns were: Ngawang Phurdron (b. 1972), Ngawang Tsamdrol (b. 1971), Ngawang Lochoe (b. 1973), Ngawang Nordon (b. 1969), and Ngawang Tendrol (b. 1969).

Immediately after their demonstration started they were arrested by officials from the anti-riot department of the Lhasa PSB. Forced into the PSB vehicle, they were beaten and taken to the nearest detention centre, Gutsa Detention Centre. They were separated the moment they reached Gutsa and put in different cells. Each nun was subject to intensive interrogation. When they did not respond the way the interrogators wanted, the nuns received more beatings.

After seven months, the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court sentenced the six nuns on charges of `instigating counter-revolutionary activities and propaganda.' Ngawang Nordon and Ngawang Phurdon were sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. Ngawang Choekey, Ngawang Lochoe, and Ngawang Tsamdrol were all sentenced to five years. Ngawang Tendrol was sentenced to three years. The six nuns were first detained in Gutsa Detention Centre until February 1993, before being transferred to Drapchi Prison.

While in Drapchi Prison, Ngawang Choekey was one of the nuns who had her sentence extended for recording songs (see Gyaltsen Dolkar). Ngawang Choekey's sentence was increased by eight years, bringing her total sentence to 13 years. Ngawang will be released in 2005. Ngawang Tsamdrol and Ngawang Lochoe had their sentences extended by five years bringing their total sentence to ten years.

Ngawang Choephel1 (b. 1969) is a monk of Lithang Monastery in Lithang County. Ngawang initially started his political activities during the 1991 Lithang Monlam Festival. Ngawang, together with his friends Shulu (b. 1972) and Jamyang Dhondup (b. 1964), distributed leaflets. Approximately 2000 monks and hundreds of lay people were present in Lithang Monastery. The leaflets read "Tibetans and Chinese are different", "Tibet is a country with a specific history"; "China has illegally occupied Tibet"; "Many of the Tibetans have died of starvation" and "Many families were separated as a direct result of Chinese rule."

On 2 August 1992, Ngawang Choephel and two men from Lithang, (Ta-Lobsang and Jamyang Dhondup) created other leaflets which read "Chinese are like poisonous snakes"; "Tibet is independent"; "Chinese are deceiving us", "Tibetans have nowhere to go"; "We Tibetans have to unite", etc. They distributed these leaflets at Lithang Race Course during the anniversary celebration of the founding of the PLA. They were not arrested, but faced with the possibility at any time. In a large group, Ngawang Choephel and Jamyang Dhondup left for India early in 1993. Upon reaching the airport near Sher Kumbu, 20 people were arrested by the Nepali police and handed over to the Chinese border security personnel at Dram. Jamyang was captured and detained in Dram for seven days. Ngawang Choephel successfully escaped into exile in India.

While Ngawang was in India, Ta-Lobsang and Jamyang printed leaflets on 29 July 1993, but found that they were unable to distribute them. On 30 July 1993, Ngawang Choephel returned to Tibet after being in India for approximately five months. The three then proposed to launch a major protest throughout several townships in Lithang County. The PAP became aware of this plan, and they decided not to flee Tibet but to voluntarily surrender themselves to the police. On 19 August 1993, Jamyang along with his cousin Gyatso went to the police station. The same day, Ngawang Choephel was arrested at his residence by the PSB officials of Lithang County, and taken to Lithang County Prison. Over the following two days, most of Ngawang's friends were arrested, including Ta-Lobsang (b. 1960), Lo Drakpa (b. 1972) a statue maker, Tsundue (b. 1966) a businessman, Chomphel (b. 1973), and A-Ngag (b. 1965) an old musician.

Ngawang and his friends were detained in Lithang Prison for four months during which time they were interrogated and beaten. Electric cattle prods were used to extract information and confessions for their alleged crimes. During these interrogation sessions, the police asked Ngawang: "Who led you to do such acts?" "Who are your companions?" and "For what reasons have you decided to do these activities?" After the PSB officials failed to draw any satisfactory answers, Ngawang and Jamyang were transferred to Kandze Detention Centre, late in December 1993 where they were kept for ten months and further interrogated. The whereabouts of the other four are not known.

In Kandze Detention Centre, the prisoners were not beaten as often. They, however, suffered from poor nutrition, being provided with half a tingmo in the mornings, half a plate of rice during lunch, and diluted gruel in the evenings.

In September 1994, the Intermediate People's Court of Kandze `TAP' formally sentenced the group. Ngawang Choephel was indicted as a `counter-revolutionary' activist and `ringleader' of the group, and was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment with an additional five years deprivation of political rights. The court treated Ngawang more harshly having previously fled to India and he was under suspicion for associating with `outside' people and organisations. Jamyang Dhondup was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with three years deprivation of political rights. Ta-Lobsang received a seven-year prison term with three years deprivation of political rights.

Subsequent to their trial, they were transferred to Ngaba Prison, which is lay name 43-4 Prison, Maowan County, Ngaba `TAP' in Sichuan Province. At the time, the prison held about 2000 inmates 1600 of who were Tibetans. There are four units, and Ngawang Choephel is currently kept in the first unit along with other Tibetan political prisoners. Jamyang who has since been released and is currently living in India reports that Ngawang Choephel's health is deteriorating.

Ngawang Choephel (b. 1968) a musician from India, was arrested by Chinese officials in 1995. Ngawang is the only child of his mother, Mrs. Sonam Dekyi who escaped to India when Ngawang was two years old. Ngawang's father was to follow, but when he later tried to escape he was arrested and tortured by Chinese authorities. It is not known today whether he is still alive. Ngawang was interested in music since his childhood. After completing school at Mundgod Tibetan Settlement, Camp # 2 in Southern India, he joined the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamsala. Upon the completion of his training at TIPA, he went back to Mundgod where he became a music teacher. He taught Tibetan music and arts in various Tibetan schools throughout India. In 1993, Ngawang Choephel went to the United States on a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to study and teach ethnomusicology at Middlebury College in Vermont. One year later, he returned to India. In July 1995, Ngawang left for Tibet to document and record Tibetan culture. Kathryn Culley, an American photographer, joined him on his documentation. Before she left Tibet on 22 August 1995, Ngawang told Kathryn that he planned to stay longer in order to visit Shigatse where he would look for musicians before returning to India in three to five months. He also planned to search for his father.

Ngawang was declared missing in August 1995 from Shigaste. It was not until 15 October 1996, more than a year after his arrest, that the Chinese authorities finally admitted his detention. On 26 December 1996 the Intermediate People's Court of Shigatse Region sentenced him to 18 years' imprisonment and four years deprivation of political rights for `espionage activities.'

Ngawang's mother, Sonam Dekyi, has held a solo demonstration in Delhi, India, since July 1997. Sonam undertook a lone battle in Delhi making appeals to the Chinese authorities to permit her to visit her son before she dies. Ngawang's mother received permission from the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi to visit Ngawang for a week. Sonam and her brother were flown to Tibet via Nepal on 1 August 2000. Upon seeing her son, Sonam reported that Ngawang appeared to be cautious of his dialogue and did not mention anything about maltreatment in prison. He told Sonam that he had submitted a written petition and had been on hunger strike in Powo Tramo protesting the failure to receive adequate medical treatment. Few weeks prior to the visit, he was provided treatment at the Chengdu hospital, which confirmed that he had multiple ailments, including urinary tract infection.

Ngawang Choephel is imprisoned in Powo Trama Prison in Nyintri County. In October 1998, Ngawang had symptoms of bronchitis, pulmonary infection, and hepatitis. His health condition is currently precarious. Ngawang will only be released on 5 September 2013.

Ngawang Choezom (b. 1970) lay name Pasang Lhamo, is a former nun of Chubsang Nunnery in Lhasa. Ngawang Choezom was first detained for pro-independence activity.

On 21 March 1992, Ngawang Choezom and four other nuns were arrested for initiating a peaceful pro-independence demonstration at the Barkhor of Lhasa City. Phunstok Lochoe (b. 1976), Phuntsok Tsamchoe (b. 1978), Yangzom (b. 1977), and Gyaltsen Kelsang (b. 1978) accompanied her. Except for Gyaltsen from Garu Nunnery and Yangzom (no affiliation), the other three nuns are from Chubsang Nunnery. The nuns were initially held at Gutsa Detention Centre, where they were interrogated and tortured.

Four months after detainment, they were tried by the Lhasa People's Intermediate Court on charges of `counter-revolutionary' propaganda and incitement. Ngawang Choezom and Phuntsok Tsamchoe were sentenced to five years' imprisonment and Phuntsok Lochoe to seven years. The sentences of the other two nuns are not known.

The nuns were transferred to Drapchi Prison after being sentenced. While in Drapchi, Ngawang Choezom was punished for the cassette-recording incident. Ngawang Choezom received an additional six years (see Gyaltsen Dolkar).

In May 1998, Ngawang was one of the two nuns placed in solitary confinement from the old rukhag #3 (see Ngawang Sangdrol).

Ngawang Gyaltsen (b. 1964) lay name Ngodup Gyaltsen, originally from Lhasa City in Toelung Dechen County, is a monk from Drepung Monastery. He studied for three years in a primary Mangtsuk (Public) School in Dechen township. When he was 15 years old, he left school in order to help his parents who are farmers.

Around 1983, he joined Drepung Monastery situated in the north of Lhasa City. Ngawang was one of the 20 Drepung monks who initiated the 27 September 1987 demonstration (see Jampel Jangchup and Background - Sunday, 27 September 1987). After four months of detention, the monks were released due to the intervention of the Xth Panchen Lama. The monks rejoined the monastery.

In 1989, Ngawang was once again involved in independence activities along with approximately ten other companions (see Jampel Jangchup In order to escape arrest, Ngawang and Kalsang Thutop one of the members of the organisation, attempted to flee Tibet. On the way in Dram, the truck where they were travelling toppled over and Ngawang suffered a severe head injury. He had no choice but to visit a hospital. While Ngawang was admitted in the hospital, fear of arrest was weighing high. After three days at the hospital, Ngawang and Kalsang attempted to flee. However, Chinese officials arrested them and detained them for approximately a week in Dram PSB detention centre. The `TAR' PSB officials specifically came all the way from Lhasa to bring the two men. Ngawang and the rest of the group members were detained in `TAR' PSB Detention Centre (Seitru) for eight months following which on 15 January 1990, they were all transferred to Drapchi Prison. Prior to their transfer, on 28 November 1989, the ten monks and one layman affiliated to the organisation were sentenced in front of a large gathering consisting of over 1500 people. Ngawang Gyaltsen was sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment and five years deprivation of political rights, on charges of `counter-revolutionary propaganda', `establishing organisation', `putting posters', `espionage' and for `attempting to illegally cross the border.'

Unhappy with the sentence, Ngawang appealed to the `TAR' People's High Court but received no response. He retracted his appeal on 7 January 1990, after realising the futility of appeals. He will have completed his sentence in the year 2007.

Ngawang Jungney (b. 1967) was born northwest of Lhasa in Nyadrung village of Damshung County. He went to India and worked as a Tibetan language teacher in Dharamsala, India. Accompanied by a westerner, he returned to Tibet to further his studies in Tibetan language and joined the "TAR" University. On 13 January 1994, he was arrested near the road leading to the University by "TAR" Public Security Bureau officials, and was accused of being a spy for the Tibetan Government-In-Exile. He was detained for six months and 26 days in Seitru Detention Centre. While in Seitru, he reportedly underwent a series of torture inflicted by the PSB officials.

Finally, after failing to find any valid evidence to prove the alleged espionage activities, the officials decided to release him. When Ngawang requested that his Indian Registration Certificate, earlier confiscated by the PSB be returned, his detention was extended further by a day.

Ngawang was re-arrested after two months of his release, and kept in a tight security cell in Sangyip Prison, where prison officials could control both his movements and affect his state of mind. In detention, a prisoner named Chungdak was put in Ngawang's cell in order to extract future plans and ideas that Ngawang might conceive. Ngawang received further scrutiny and ill treatment at the hands of the deputy-in-charge of Drapchi Prison Unit Four named Paljor. Ngawang was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment. The latest update on Ngawang indicates that he is suffering mental problems due to severe torture and cruel punishment in prison. He has been transferred to Powo Tramo Prison where he is currently serving his term. The end of 2003 estimates Ngawang Jungney's release.

Ngawang Ngokyen (b. 1973) lay name Kalsang Phuntsok, is from Lhasa City, village # one, in Chushul County. He is a former monk of Tashigang Monastery. On 15 February 1994, Ngawang and Nyima Tsering ¹, (b. 1975), his friend from the same monastery, left for Lhasa to stage a peaceful demonstration in front of the Jokhang Temple. Around 10 am the same day, the two monks produced the forbidden Tibetan national flag, held it from both sides and started shouting slogans of "Free Tibet", "Chinese Quit Tibet" and "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama." After ten minutes they were arrested and handcuffed by PSB officers. They were transported to Gutsa Detention Centre where they were placed in different cells and interrogated. The monks were repeatedly beaten, because of their refusal to divulge details of their monastic background. This earned them additional harsh treatment and prolonged their period of detention. After a month of detention in Gutsa, six PSB officers visited their monastery to investigate their personal belongings. The monks were detained at Gutsa for more than a year; however, for the initial ten months of their detention no visitors were allowed. During this time, they were subjected to constant harassment and unusually lengthy interrogation sessions.

In October 1995, the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court passed their sentences. Ngawang received six years' imprisonment and three years' deprivation of political rights. Nyima Tsering was sentenced to four years with two years' deprivation of political rights. After sentencing, the monks were transferred to Drapchi Prison.

Following the Drapchi Protest in May 1998, Ngawang was held in solitary confinement for two months, and his sentence was extended by an additional four years in October 1998, bringing his total sentence to ten years. After the extension of his prison term, he was transferred to the fourth unit, where criminal prisoners are held. His friend Nyima was released in 1998.

Ngawang Pekar (b. 1968), lay name Paljor, was a monk from Drepung Monastery at the time of his arrest. He was born in Toelung Angkar located in Toelung County, just west of Lhasa City. His father, Topgyal, and one of his younger sisters and younger brothers are still living in Toelung. Ngawang has two younger sisters, one elder sister and three younger brothers. His younger brother, Khedup served a five-year sentence in Seitru Detention Centre and Drapchi Prisons. Khedup was a Drepung monk, and now lives with his father after being forbidden to rejoin the monastery. Ngawang’s mother died while Ngawang was serving one of his terms in Sangyip Prison.

Ngawang was first arrested on 5 March 1988, along with three other Drepung monks, as a result of participating in the demonstration in Lhasa. Ngawang was sentenced to nine months, which he served in various prisons. He was first detained in Gutsa Detention Centre, and later transferred to Outridu, "re-education-through-Labour" Centre in the Sangyip Prison Complex.

Ngawang Pekar was arrested for the second time on 12 July 1989. He allegedly put up pro-independence posters and participated in demonstrations. He was reportedly linked with communication with certain foreign delegates and organisations. Ngawang was sentenced to eight years around the end of November 1989. Ngawang was initially detained in Sangyip Prison and later transferred to Drapchi Prison.

While in Drapchi, Ngawang drafted a list of political prisoners to be smuggled out of Tibet to the international community. Prison officials discovered this plan and extended Ngawang's sentence to further six years in June 1996.

Ngawang is reportedly good in English having been sent by Drepung Monastery to Lhasa to study English for a year.

Ngawang Phulchung (b. 1965) is from Toelung Dechen County. He was one of the 20 monks from Drepung Monastery who staged a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa City in September 1987 (see Jampel Jangchup and Background - Sunday, 27 September 1987). After four months detention, Ngawang was released along with the rest of the prisoners when the late Panchen Lama intervened. Ngawang was also one of the ten members of the organisation which clandestinely produced political literatures and distributed them extensively. In April 1989, Ngawang was arrested.

On 30 November 1989, when the group was sentenced before a forced public gathering of 1500 Tibetans, Ngawang was denounced as the leader of the group and sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment and five years deprivation of political rights. His charges included "organising and joining a counter-revolutionary clique, and spreading counter-revolutionary propaganda and inflammatory misinformation", "seriously undermining national security" and "collecting intelligence and passing it on to the enemy." The officers told the people gathered that the monks had "venomously slandered our socialist system characterised by the people's democratic dictatorship."

When the event was broadcasted over TV, it was a clear warning for everyone. It said that, "The crimes committed by Ngawang Phulchung and other criminals demonstrate that the so-called human rights, freedoms, and democracy played up by separatists, both at home and abroad, are nothing but a pack of deceitful lies ... Let the sentence of Ngawang Phulchung serve as a stern warning for separatists, both at home and abroad, that those who split the motherland will come to no good end."

Ngawang was transferred to Drapchi Prison along with the rest of the group members on 15 January 1990 where he remains detained.

Ngawang Sangdrol (b. 1977) also Rigchog, was born in Lhasa, and became a nun of Garu Nunnery. She was first arrested in 1987, when she was just ten years old, for participating in a peaceful pro-independence demonstration, and was detained for 15 days. At the age of 13, she again joined a demonstration led by nuns from the Norbulingkha in Lhasa on 28 August 1990. She was considered too young to be tried at the time, and was detained for nine months without charges.

Upon her release, Ngawang was forbidden from rejoining her nunnery due to her status as a former political prisoner. On 12 June 1991, her father Namgyal Tashi was arrested for participating in demonstrations and sentenced to eight years in Drapchi Prison. The death of Ngawang's mother, Jampa Choezom, followed just days after her father was imprisoned. Ngawang's brother, a monk named Tenzin Sherap, also received a one-year prison sentence for political reasons. After his release he was forbidden to rejoin his monastery.

On 17 June 1992, Ngawang was again arrested for attempting to stage a pro-independence demonstration in Lhasa along with other Garu nuns and some monks from Gaden Monastery. Despite her youth, she was sentenced to three years' imprisonment `for incitement to subversive and separatist activities.'

Since her formal arrest on 17 June 1992, Ngawang's prison sentence has been prolonged three times by the Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa in October 1993, July 1996, and October 1998.

In Drapchi Prison, Ngawang's sentence was extended by six years on 8 October 1993 for her involvement in the song-recording activity (see Gyaltsen Dolkar).

On 30 November 1995, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions ruled that the continuing detention of Ngawang Sangdrol was arbitrary, because she had been punished for exercising her right to freedom of opinion. The group asked the PRC to remedy the situation so that it conformed to the provisions and principles incorporated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Ngawang encountered trouble again in 1996. In April 1996, during a prison visit by Party dignitaries, Ngawang refused to stand up. Ngawang and Phuntsok Pema were summoned to a meeting including, unit leader and prisoner-leaders of older unit 3. The two nuns were accused of failing to make their bed according to the proper prison standard. The officers kicked and hit them, particularly singling out Ngawang for further maltreatment. The two nuns were put in solitary confinement for six and a half months. Ngawang received a further extension of eight years' sentence bringing her prison term to 17 years' imprisonment.

On 4 May 1998, during the Drapchi Protest, nuns in the old rukhag # 3 broke the windows and started shouting (see Background - Friday, 1 May 1998). By mid day, officers came into the old rukhag and took out the nuns into the courtyard. After the initial beating to all the nuns finished, Pema Bhuti singled out about ten nuns who she did not normally like, for extra beatings. Ngawang Sangdrol was her first choice. That day, Ngawang had received the worst treatment. According to Norzin Wangmo, "Ani Richog was in the worst condition. She could not even lift her head. She was hit on her head with the belt buckle. She was bleeding heavily and walked with a limp. She was to be put in the solitary confinement cells but because all the cells were full, she escaped this punishment. For days after that, she could not walk by herself. She had to be assisted to urinate. On top of all that, she developed diarrhoea."

Three nuns from rukhag # 3 were placed in solitary confinement after the May Protest. Ngawang Choezom lay name Pasang Lhamo and Lobsang Choekyi lay name, Choekyi Wangmo from Shar Bumpa and Ngawang Tenzin lay name Lhadrol from Gyabrag Nunnery were all put in solitary cells. Ngawang Sangdrol's third extension came in October 1998 due to her involvement in the Drapchi Protest. Her sentence was extended by another four years bringing her total sentence to 21 years thereby making her the longest serving female political prisoner in Tibet.

Ngawang Sangdrol had her visiting rights reinstated in June 1999 (see Background - Friday, 1 May 1998). She is due to be released in the year 2013 at the age of 36.

Ngawang Sungrab (b. 1966), lay name Dawa Tsering, is a monk of Drepung Monastery in Phenpo County. On 27 September 1991, Ngawang Sungrab along with three other monks from Drepung Monastery, Ngawang Rabjor, Jampel Phuntsok and Ngawang Jamchen, initiated a peaceful demonstration. Around 11 am the demonstrators marched from Lhasa Gamchung Restaurant to the front of Jokhang Temple. They carried the forbidden Tibetan national flag in their hands and shouted slogans like, "Tibet is a free country", "Chinese get out of Tibet", and "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama." As soon as they reached the garden, in front of the Jokhang Temple, 15 PSB officials arrested and severely beat them. The four were later taken to the PSB Detention Centre in Lhasa, where they were interrogated and beaten again. Afterwards, they were transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre and detained for more than two months. During their detention in Gutsa Detention Centre, the monks were again subjected to inhumane beatings and interrogation.

Ngawang was held in Drapchi old rukhag # 5. On 4 May 1998, all the long-serving political prisoners from the old rukhag were detained in their cells. According to TIN, "A few minutes after midday, when they heard the commotion being caused by the prisoners from new branch, all the older prisoners rushed to the main iron gate in a frenzy. The Chinese prison guard named Zhu Xiaofeng fired a shot without warning. The bullet hit Ngawang Sungrab, a monk prisoner from Drepung Monastery. He was hit in the left abdomen and collapsed on the ground." ⁶, Ngawang was reportedly taken to Sera Military Hospital for treatment.

Ngawang Tensang (b. 1970) lay name penpa, is a former Drepung monk from Toelung Sangmo township of Toelung County in "TAR." He is the fourth child in a family of eight including five brothers and two sisters. His father died in 1991. Ngawang Tensang attended the lower Mangtsuk (Public) School in Toelung Sangmo township. After school, he lived with his maternal aunt for about five years. He later joined the Drepung Monastery.

While in Drepung Monastery, Ngawang Tensang and four other monks from the monastery held a peaceful demonstration in front of the Jokhang Temple. At noon on 14 September 1991 the demonstration took place with the monks dressed in civilian clothes as to not arouse suspicion. For about 15 minutes they shouted slogans of "Free Tibet" and "Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama."

All five monks were immediately arrested by anti-riot forces, and taken away to the anti-riot office in two vehicles. In addition to Ngawang Tensang, the other monks were: Phuntsok Jangsem (b. 1972) lay name Bhuchung from Meldrogungkar; Phuntsok Thutop (b. 1972) from Phenpo; Ngawang Choechok (b. 1975) from Toelung; and Phuntsok Gonpo, (1972) from Phenpo.

"As soon as we arrived, the officials began to beat us everywhere on the body, kicking and boxing us," said Phuntsok Gonpo, one of the five monks who participated in the demonstration. Phuntsok Gonpo escaped to India in early 1998.

The monks were transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre where the officials continued to beat them after having registered the monks' names. "By that time, we had been beaten so much that we were only half-conscious of our existence. My body was numb. Ngawang Tensang suffered the worst, probably because he was the oldest of us," stated Phunstok Gonpo.

On 18 February 1992, the Lhasa Intermediate Peoples' Court sentenced Ngawang Tensang on charges of `counter-revolutionary' activities (now described as "endangering state security" pursuant to a 1996 constitutional amendment). He was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, and deprived of political rights for three years. On similar charges, Phuntsok Jangsem was sentenced to eight years; Phuntsok Thutop and Phuntsok Gonpo for five years with deprivation of political rights for two years; and Ngawang Choechok for three years' imprisonment with deprivation of political rights for one year. Ngawang Tensang received the highest sentence, as he was allegedly the leader of the group.

The monks were detained in Gutsa for further two months following their sentencing. They were then transferred to Drapchi Prison. Upon their arrival they were harshly scolded and sarcastic remarks about granting `freedom' to Tibet to them by a police officer.

The monks continued to suffer torture at the hands of prison guards in Drapchi. They were first required to study the prison regulations, and were then assigned work. Ngawang Tensang was sent to work in the prison vegetable garden.

In 1995, Ngawang Tensang assisted a fellow prisoner who was sick during the daily exercise session. As a result, prison authorities punished him with severe beatings and solitary confinement for approximately one month.

Ngawang Tenzin (b. 1972) lay name Tsering Dhondup, was a monk from Drigung Thil Monastery when he and another monk, named Ngawang Sangpo (b. 1960) were arrested on 22 March 1995 for pasting pro-independence posters in Nagchu County. They were immediately taken to Gutsa Detention Centre, where they faced torturous interrogation sessions for four months. After four months, they were sentenced and transferred to Drapchi Prison. Ngawang Tenzin was sentenced to five years' imprisonment. Ngawang Sangpo was sentenced to three years' imprisonment; however, he was released on medical parole after 15 days in Drapchi Prison due to the torture he endured while in Gutsa Detention Centre.

Ngawang Wangyur (b. 1972) lay name Tenzin Dawa, is a monk of Tsome Monastery and is originally from Toelung Dechen County. He was arrested for participating in a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa City's Barkhor. His arrest occurred on 22 March 1995 and he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison.

Ngawang Woeser (b. 1970) was a Drepung monk when he was arrested in 1989. Ngawang was born into a farming family in Dranang County, Lhoka Prefecture. He is the eldest son of Tenpa Phuntsok, and has a younger sister and brother. Ngawang joined Drepung Monastery in 1981.

Ngawang was one of the members of 21 monks who initiated the September 1987 demonstration (see Jampel Jangchup Ngawang Woeser was held in Gutsa Detention Centre for one day and then transferred to Seitru Detention Centre along with nine other prisoners. They were held there for approximately a month during which time, they were subjected to interrogation sessions. He was then transferred to Gutsa for further three months. Upon release, he joined the organisation of ten. When the organisation was discovered, Chinese officials immediately arrested Ngawang Woeser on 16 April 1989. The other members were arrested soon after. Ngawang Woeser was detained for almost one year in Sangyip Prison, during which time he underwent a series of abusive interrogation sessions.

After the mass rally sentencing Ngawang was sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment. After his sentence was pronounced, Ngawang Woeser was transferred to Drapchi Prison on 15 January 1990. "He is presently leading a very miserable life in Drapchi. His health condition has deteriorated over the years spent in prison," adds Ngawang Rinchen, a former Drepung monk and one of the group's members who escaped to India in 1996.

Norbu Phuntsok (b. 1973) was a monk from Jang Taglung Monastery when he was arrested in 1995. Norbu is serving a total of eight years for his participation in demonstrating for Tibet's self-determination. On 23 February 1995, Norbu and three other monks from the same monastery chanted slogans during a peaceful pro-independence demonstration in the Barkhor of Lhasa City. The demonstration lasted for several minutes before the four monks were arrested by PSB officials and taken to Gutsa Detention Centre for interrogation. After spending more than seven months in Gutsa, the four were finally sentenced and transferred to Drapchi Prison. The other three monks were Tenzin Jamyang (b. 1971), Tsewang ¹ (b. 1980), and Sang Sang (b. 1973). All four monks were sentenced to five years' imprisonment and transferred to Drapchi Prison.

While in Drapchi, Norbu had his sentence extended by an additional three years for his involvement in the Drapchi Protest. Norbu is currently in Drapchi Prison and will be released in 2003.

Nyima Dhondup (b. 1954) is a bicycle repairman from Shigatse. Prior to this, he worked as a local official under the Chinese government. After promoting Tibetan issues with his co-workers, he was demoted to menial labor. This demotion encouraged him to quit his job and open a bicycle repair shop. On 1 January 1996, he was arrested under suspicion of pasting posters in the main market on three separate occasions. He was immediately taken to Nyari Detention Centre where he stayed for two months awaiting his sentence. He was finally charged with being a "counter-revolutionary, inciting the masses, and supporting splittism." He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment and transferred to Drapchi Prison. Nyima had previously been arrested for political activities. As a result of his arrest, his wife and two children are in financial distress.

Nyima Tsering ² (b. 1974) and Gyaltsen (b. 1974) were arrested in April 1997 and taken to Chamdo, and later transferred to Lhasa. Both are monks from Dragyab Bugon Monastery in Drayab County. They were charged with pasting pro-independence posters and sentenced to five years' imprisonment in March 1998. Nyima Tsering and Gyaltsen are reportedly detained in Drapchi Prison.