Publications

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Prisoners of Tibet

Profiles of Current Political Prisoners - 5

O-Chok (b. 1967) was a monk of Gaden Choekhorling Monastery at the time of his arrest. O-Chok is originally from Phenpo Lhundrup County. O-Chok was arrested on 12 May 1994 and sentenced to six years' imprisonment at Drapchi Prison.

Ugen Tashi (b. 1942) is a semi-nomad from Pashoe County. He was arrested on 28 August 1995 for unknown reasons. It is believed that his arrest was either due to pasting pro-independence posters or for attempting to use explosives on pillars in Lhasa. Ugen Tashi had visited India twice before his arrest. His wife is currently living in Lhasa while his two children are studying in India. Ugen Tashi is presently serving his nine-year sentence in Drapchi Prison.

Pasang (b. 1973), a monk from Jang Taglung Monastery in Lhundrup County was arrested with three other monks from the same monastery. The three other monks were Phurbu (b. 1963) from Phenpo Pu-Shar in Jema township, Lobsang Tsondrue ³ (b. 1965) from Phenpo Lhundrup County, and Buchung ³ (b. 1973) from Phenpo County. In November 1993, the four monks staged a demonstration in Lhasa carrying the Tibetan national flag and calling for Tibet's independence. The four went in a procession and circumambulated the Barkhor of Lhasa City. When they were in their third round, local police arrested them and they were handed over to the Lhasa City PSB. They were detained for five or six months in Gutsa Detention Centre. While in Gutsa, they were indiscriminately tortured, including being splashed cold water on their bodies during the middle of winter and being jabbed with electric batons. They were then transferred to Drapchi Prison after their sentences were passed. Except for Pasang, who is serving an 11-year sentence, the details of the other sentences are not known.

Pasang Norbu (b. 1964), a monk of Kandze Gepheling Monastery, was arrested on 20 March 1996 along with six other monks from the same monastery. All were imprisoned for distributing "Free Tibet" pamphlets in front of the PSB office of Kandze County and around Takcheda village of Kandze County. Although the PSB officials knew of their activities, the monks were arrested after a few days of the distribution of the pamphlets. Of the seven monks, five were released after one week and were able to return to their monastery. However, Pasang Norbu was sentenced to six years' imprisonment and is serving his sentence in Kandze Prison. The other monk, Norbu Dradul (b. 1974), was sentenced to three years' imprisonment and has been released upon completion of his prison term.

Pema Tsomo (b. 1966) is a nun from Theckchen Nunnery. Pema along with three other nuns from the same nunnery were arrested for pasting posters in Nyemo County in November 1994. The nuns were arrested on different dates. Pema was arrested on 16 November 1994. During her interrogation session, Pema was transferred to a number of prisons throughout Lhasa. She was originally taken to Gutsa Detention Centre, transferred to Sangyip Prison, Taktse County PSB Detention Centre, and back to Sangyip Prison. While in Taktse County PSB Detention Centre, Pema endured severe beatings under torture, and was placed in solitary confinement for two months. In April 1995, while in Sangyip she was sentenced by the Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa to seven years' imprisonment, and transferred to Drapchi Prison. The other nuns were: Dorje Youdron (b. 1970) arrested on 12 November 1994, Sangye Choedon (b.1975) was arrested on 25 November 1994, and Tsondru Wangmo (b. 1958) was arrested on 25 November 1994. The three were initially taken to Nyemo County Detention Centre before being transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre. In April 1995, Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa sentenced Dorje to five years, Sangye to four years and Tsondru to seven years' imprisonment. The three nuns remained in Gutsa until 30 July 1995, until their transfer to Drapchi Prison. Dorje and Sangye were released after the completion of their prison sentences, the other two nuns remain in Drapchi Prison.

Phuntsok Drimey (b. 1970) lay name Tenzin, is a monk from Drepung Monastery who was arrested with seven other monks from the same monastery. Phuntsok Drimey, Phuntsok Seje (b. 1970), and their fellow companions staged a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa on 10 March 1992 that resulted in their arrest. The names of the other six monks are not known. Phuntsok Drimey and Phuntsok Seje were both sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. The other monks received one to six year sentences, and have since been released upon completion of their sentences.

Phuntsok Nyidron (b. 1969) lay name Tseten Wangmo, is from Phenpo township in Gachoe County, west of Lhasa City. She attended a village school but was unable to continue her studies due to inadequate education facilities in her village. She then joined Michungri Nunnery in Toelung Dechen County in 1986.

In addition to learning Buddhist philosophy, Phuntsok began to speak out for the rights of the Tibetan people. She was an advocate of freedom of speech, greater freedom of movement, and an end to Chinese rule. On 14 October 1989, Phuntsok led a demonstration in the Barkhor in the old part of Lhasa City. The demonstration took place three days after the announcement in Tibet that the Dalai Lama had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The demonstration was both to celebrate the news and to call for an end to the Chinese occupation of Tibet. The peaceful march by the six nuns lasted only a few minutes before it was silenced by their subsequent arrest.

Phuntsok was described in the official newspaper Tibet Daily on 18 October 1989, as "the ringleader." Apparently, she was suspected because in the nunnery she had been the manager of the local store, and therefore was seen as having more administrative responsibility than the other nuns. The other nuns involved in the demonstration were sentenced to three years administrative detention, while Phuntsok was sent for a court trial. The prison authorities forced a "confession" from her and she was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment.

According to a testimony received in January 1994 by one of the nuns who later escaped to India, Phuntsok and the other women were kicked and beaten during the arrest and later given electric shocks on their hands, shoulders, breasts, tongue, and face. During interrogation each nun was suspended for at least 15 minutes from the ceiling by her hands, which were handcuffed behind her, her feet dangling above the ground, and in this position they were beaten with an iron rod.

Phuntsok was involved in the cassette-recording incident in 1993 (see Gyaltsen Dolkar). Phuntsok received an additional eight years sentence bringing her total sentence to 17 years and at the time making her the longest-serving female political prisoner in Tibet.

In 1995, Phuntsok Nyidron was award with the Reebok Human Rights Award. This award honours people from around the world who have made a significant contribution to the cause of human rights, often against great odds. Following the Drapchi Protest, she is still serving her sentence in Drapchi Prison (see Background - Friday, 1 May 1998). and is not due to be released until 2006 when she will be 38 years old.

Phuntsok Rigchog (b. 1966) lay name Migmar, is a monk from Tashigang Monastery in Chushul County. On 31 May 1994, Phuntsok Rigchog and six other monks from the same monastery held a brief peaceful demonstration in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa City. Phuntsok Rigchog's fellow companions were: Ngawang Tsangpa, Phuntsok Soldrak, Pema Thinlay, Migmar, and Sonam Tsering (b. 1980). Within five minutes of staging the demonstration, ten PSB officials arrested the six monks and beat them while being transported to a detention centre. The six monks were transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre on 24 July 1994. On 11 November 1994, the People's Intermediate Court held a trial during which, a lawyer read their crimes and sentences were passed. Three days later, a policewoman came with a charge sheet written in Chinese. The primary accusation was `counter-revolutionary' activities. According to the sentence paper, Phuntsok Rigchog and Ngawang Tsangpa were sentenced to six years' imprisonment. Sonam Tsering, despite being only 14 years of age, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. Phuntsok Soldrak, Pema Thinlay, and Migmar were sentenced to two years' imprisonment. On 22 November 1994, claiming they were conducting medical check-ups, prison officials extracted blood from the imprisoned monks. Afterwards, Sonam Tsering was taken back to Gutsa Detention Centre, where he remained for approximately six months, before being transferred to Drapchi Prison. The other monks were at once transferred to Drapchi Prison to serve their sentences.

In October 1998, Phuntsok Rigchog's sentence was increased following the Drapchi Protest in May 1998. Phuntsok received an additional four years term bringing his total sentence to ten years' imprisonment.

Phuntsok Samten (b. 1964) lay name Penpa, was a monk of Tashigang Monastery when he was arrested in 1991. Phuntsok and Tsering Dhondup, a fellow monk from the same monastery, were arrested on 4 September 1991 for participating in a peaceful demonstration. Phuntsok was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment at Drapchi Prison; Tsering was sentenced to five years, and has since been released after completing his sentence.

Phuntsok Thoesam (b. 1970) lay name Pasang, was born into a farming family from Phenpo Lhundrup County before becoming a monk of Drepung Monastery. Phuntsok was arrested with Ngawang Tsondrue and Pasang on 4 June 1993 for staging a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa. They were first taken to Gutsa Detention Centre where they faced abusive interrogation sessions. Phuntsok was sentenced to seven years, Ngawang was sentenced to six years, and Pasang was sentenced to four years. All three were transferred to Drapchi Prison after sentencing. Ngawang Tsondrue was released in 1999 after completing his sentence.

Phuntsok Wangdue (b. 1965) is from Taktse County in Lhasa City. He was a former monk of Gaden Monastery. As a child, his grandmother took care of him. When he was eight years old, he studied in Mangstuk (Public) School for two years, then quit to help his parents at home.

At 14 years old, he joined Gaden Monastery. In 1990, when `work team' members visited the monastery to carry out the `patriotic re-education' campaign, 18 monks including Phuntsok, were expelled from the monastery. These monks had criticised the `work team' members thereby infuriating them. Moreover, they refused to be `re-educated.' On the day of their expulsion, the monks were taken to Taktse County where they were disposed of at their respective villages. The heads of the villages were specifically instructed not to allow any of them to travel freely.

Around October 1990, Phuntsok fled to India. He joined the Buddhist Dialectic School in Dharamsala, India. Then in 1993, during a winter vacation Phuntsok returned to Tibet to see his 90 year-old grandmother.

On 17 June 1993 `TAR' Intelligence Officers arrested Phuntsok on suspicious grounds and detained him in Sangyip Prison. No reason was provided for his arrest. In prison he was subjected to severe beatings and held for a period of six months without any legal documents relating to his arrest or legal proceedings.

After six months Phuntsok was released with numerous restrictions imposed upon him, including restrictions on his movements.

For three years Phuntsok stayed in Lhasa. Then on the eve of the 1997 Tibetan New Year he was arrested at his home along with his brother and 19 year-old cousin. The three men were held in Gutsa Detention Centre where they were brutally beaten. Reports from unofficial sources at the time indicate that Phuntsok's feet and arms were manacled. In May 1997 he was singled out and taken to a police station, west of Lhasa where he was severely interrogated for a total of one month and 15 days. He was forced to "confess to crimes" he did not commit. In July 1997 Phuntsok was then transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre. Upon arriving in Gutsa he was subjected to further interrogation. On the grounds of suspicion of instigating political activities, Phuntsok was eventually charged with "espionage" and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment in June 1998 by the Lhasa People's Intermediate Court. His brother and cousin were charged with "assisting a splittist clique", and sentenced to three years by the same court. Both men were transferred to Drapchi Prison, and have reportedly been released.

Phuntsok continued to be held in Gutsa while he appealed to the PRC for a re-trial. Unfortunately, his appeal was rejected and he was transferred to Drapchi Prison to serve his 14-year sentence.

Phuntsok Wangmo (b. 1973) lay name Lobsang Dolma, was a nun of Garu Nunnery when she was arrested on 25 May 1994. Phuntsok and four other nuns from the same nunnery participated in a peaceful pro-independence demonstration where they shouted slogans in Barkhor in Lhasa City. Shortly after they started their demonstration, they were arrested and transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre. The four other nuns are: Ngawang Namdrol lay name Pasang Lhamo Phuntsok Sangmo lay name Yeashi Yangka, Namdrol Kunsel, Dekyi Nyima, and Phuntsok Pelyang (b. 1966) lay name Pema Dolkar. Ngawang Namdrol, Phuntsok Sangmo, and Namdrol Kunsel were sentenced to five years, and have since been released following the completion of their term in Drapchi Prison. Phuntsok Wangmo and Phuntsok Pelyang were sentenced to six years' imprisonment and due to have been released. It is not known if they are currently detained or not.

Rigzin ¹ (b. 1974), from Gongkar County, was arrested with four other Tibetans on 9 September 1996. Pendor (b. 1979) and Tashi Dhargyal (b. 1968) are from Meldrogungkar County. Sogon (b. 1971) is from Lhasa City, and Samten (b. 1976). On 9 September 1996, the five demonstrated in the Barkhor of Lhasa City. The demonstrators condemned China's interference in the issue of the Panchen Lama reincarnation, and raised their voices against China's interference in Tibet's religious matters. The five demonstrators were severely tortured while in police custody, resulting in one of the demonstrators being taken to Lhasa City People's Hospital for treatment. It is not known which demonstrator needed medical treatment. Rigzin and Sogon were sentenced to five years' imprisonment, and are serving their sentences in Drapchi Prison. The other sentences are not known.

Rigzin Choephel (b. 1976), Sherab Tsultrim (b. 1973), Tashi Phuntsok (b. 1975), Lobsang Topchen (b. 1975), Ngawang Choephel ³ (b. 1985), Dawa Dorje (b. 1987), Lobsang Dechen (b. 1972), are seven monks from Sepu Monastery who along with one layman Rigzin ² (b. 1973), were arrested during the Hong Kong Hand-Over on 1 July 1997. The seven monks staged a pro-independence demonstration, which lasted approximately 15 minutes in Sernon township, Pashoe County. The lay man, Rigzin, was arrested on grounds of suspicion of having cooperated with the monks in their activities. Rigzin is a whitewasher by profession. After 13 days of detention, Rigzin and the monks were transferred from Pashoe Detention Centre to Chamdo Detention Centre. In 1997 the Chamdo Intermediate People's Court passed their sentences. Rigzin was sentenced to eight years; Rigzin Choephel and Sherab Tsultrim to six years; Tashi Phuntsok, Lobsang Topchen, Ngawang Choephel, Dawa Dorje, and Lobsang Dechen to four years. They were all transferred to Drapchi Prison where they are currently serving their sentences.

Rinzin Choekey , lay name Yangzom (b. 1966), is a nun from Shugseb Nunnery. On 28 August 1990 she was arrested with five other nuns from the same nunnery for participating in a peaceful demonstration in the Barkhor of Lhasa City. The nuns shouted slogans of "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama", "Free Tibet", and "Chinese quit Tibet" on the streets of the Barkhor. 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 during routine interrogation sessions. During each interrogation session the nuns faced humiliation, beatings, and punishments. Officials who asked the same questions repeatedly during the beatings constantly harassed them. In January 1991, the Lhasa People's Intermediate Court sentenced Rinzin to seven years' imprisonment and transferred her to Drapchi Prison.

While in Drapchi, Rinzin was involved in the cassette recording activity. Her sentence was extended by another five years upon discovering the incident bringing her total sentence to 12 years (see Gyaltsen Dolkar). She is currently serving her prison term in Drapchi Prison and will be released in 2002.

Rinzin Wangyal (b. 1947) is from Lhasa City. Rinzin's mother's name is Ugen Choedon. Rinzin's late father Lobsang Tsewang was a khenjung (a Tibetan government official of high rank) before the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

While working as a labourer in the cement factory, Rinzin was arrested for allegedly organising an underground movement in 1966. He was imprisoned in Drapchi Prison where he was regularly tortured and interrogated by the prison authorities. He was released from Drapchi Prison in 1982.

In August 1995 the PSB officers once again arrested Rinzin. This time he was suspected of being involved in a political movement aimed at disrupting the celebrations on 1 September 1995, which marked the anniversary of the founding of the `TAR.'

Unconfirmed sources from Tibet report that on 13 December 1996, Rinzin was sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment. According to recent reports, in October 1997, while still in detention his sentence was increased by four years bringing his total sentence to 20 years' imprisonment. The extension order came from the People's Intermediate Court. He is currently held in Drapchi Prison and the reason for his extension is not known.

It was reported that Rinzin's relatives sent three appeals to the PSB requesting permission for a meeting between Rinzin and his wife. His wife, Sonam, was known to be in a critical condition at the time and was later admitted to Lhasa People's Hospital. All the pleas made by his wife to see him in the prison were rejected.

Sangye Choedon (b. 1970) is from Nyemo County and was a nun from Dolkar Choeten Nunnery before her arrest. On 15 February 1995, Sangye and three other nuns demonstrated in the Barkhor of Lhasa City. The three other nuns are: Dekyi Yangzom lay name Drugkyi Pema (b. 1974), Thinley Dolkar (b. 1974), and Tsering Choezom. Both Thinley Dolkar and Tsering Choezom are released after completing their prison sentences. Dekyi Yangzom died in prison following the Drapchi Protests. Sangye Choedon was sentenced to six years' imprisonment with three years deprivation of political rights. She is currently serving her sentence in Drapchi Prison.

Sholpa Dawa (b. 1940) was a tailor from Lhasa City before his arrest. Sholpa worked as a construction labourer and later became a private tailor. Sholpa was first arrested on 29 September 1981 for allegedly distributing pamphlets on Tibetan independence. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and deprivation of political rights for one year. Sholpa spent six months in Gutsa Detention Centre and one and a half years in Sangyip Prison.

The verdict of the trial is reported in the `TAR' Intermediate People's Court Document No.17 of 1982. The verdict reads: "In 1980, Sholpa Dawa with defendant Lobsang Choedar and Tsering Lhamo met at Lobsang Choedar's house and wrote circulars on the independence of Tibet. Thereafter, he contacted his accused friend Lobsang Wangchuk who helped him to prepare a history on the independent status of Tibet and a circular titled, "Twenty Years of Tragic Experience." Supposedly, Sholpa told his uncle and Kunsang who were working in the Metal and Wood Co-operative Programme to type the articles and hand them back to Sholpa after finishing the work. Sholpa, pretending to be making copies of religious manuscripts borrowed a cyclo-styling machine from the co-operative and made more than 160 pro-independence posters in his own home. Not only did he distribute the posters on his own, but he also sought assistance from Dhondup Dorje and Lobsang Choedar. Sholpa had also printed on the posters, "The snow lion flag when Tibet was independent."

Subsequent to his release, he worked as a labourer for one year in a brick kiln at Nyethang County. On 8 November 1985 he was arrested for the second time for distributing pamphlets denouncing the deteriorating living conditions of the Tibetans, and Chinese invasion of Tibet. Sholpa was indicted along with eight other young Tibetans. This time he was sentenced to four years in Sangyip Prison, and was deprived of his political rights for the duration of one year. In August 1987, his wife Lhakpa Dolma died.

Sholpa's third arrest was in August 1995 in Lhasa City. He was arrested in connection with distributing pictures of the young Panchen Lama reincarnation recognised by the Dalai Lama. However, at the time it was rumoured inside Tibet that Sholpa was arrested just prior to the 30th anniversary celebrations of the `TAR', because of fear that he and other former political prisoners would disrupt the celebrations. He reportedly faced threats of execution by the Chinese authorities.

Verdicts were issued on 8 August 1996 for Sholpa and his friend Topgyal (b. 1939) (see Topgyal). The verdict did not mention Sholpa's involvement in the Panchen Lama reincarnation issue. Rather, it stated: "After thorough investigation, in the year 1993 to 1994, the accused Dawa told Dhondup Dorje and Ratoe Dawa to collect the list of all political prisoners who have served and who are also currently serving their prison term. Moreover, in July 1993, the accused Topgyal made three 'reactionary' documents and gave them to Sholpa Dawa who handed them over to the Dalai Clique." Topgyal was sentenced to six years' imprisonment and is serving in Drapchi Prison. Sholpa was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment with three years deprivation of political rights and is also at Drapchi Prison. By the time Sholpa is released in 2005, he will have spent 15 years of his life behind bars.

Sonam Dhondup (b. 1977) lay name Lobsang Phurbu, was a monk of Nalanda Monastery in Phenpo Lhundrup County. He chose to join Nalanda Monastery when he was 12 years old. At the time, there were approximately 250 monks in Nalanda Monastery. In February and March 1995, Sonam and his friend, Tseten2 (b. 1968) initiated political activities as they printed a booklet on Tibet and stitched a Tibetan national flag, which was kept, wrapped in yellow silk cloth. Soon after, Sonam along with three other monks went to a nearby township, called Thang, to distribute the booklets. The other monks involved were Legshe Choesang (b. 1967), Legshe Ngawang, and Legshe Thupkey. When they arrived at Thang, the four monks started discussing about how they should distribute the booklet close to a group of people playing a game of snooker. One of the players, a Chinese officer overheard them and reported to his supervisor about their plans.

After the game, the Chinese officer started nagging the four monks and a fight broke out. In the ensuing fight, a Chinese official hit one of the monks on the head with a beer bottle. The next day the authorities came to search the house where the four monks were staying in Thang. Their rooms were ransacked and the booklets and Tibetan national flag in Sonam's room were discovered.

Sonam, Tseten, and the other three monks were taken to Gutsa Detention Centre. Sonam and Tseten were sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment. Tseten was also sentenced to 12 years. Legshe Ngawang was sentenced to six years. Legshe Choesang and Legshe Thupkey were sentenced to five years' imprisonment each. Sonam is currently in Drapchi Prison.

Sonam Paljor (b. 1980) is from Kanlho township in Sangchu County. Sonam was 15 years old when he was arrested in 1995. Like several other young political prisoners, the Chinese authorities did not take his age into consideration when sentencing him. Sonam was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and is serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison.

Sonam Tsering ² (b. 1971) was a monk of Drigung Emari Shedra Monastery when he was arrested on 11 March 1995. Sonam is from Meldrogungkar County and was arrested with Choeje (b. 1971) and Rinchen Gyurmey (b. 1976) from the same monastery. They were originally detained at Gutsa Detention Centre for two years under the allegations of pasting posters and leading a poster campaign in Meldrogungkar County. During their detainment, none of them were allowed visitors. After being sentenced to five years, they were all transferred to Drapchi Prison.

Sonam Tsering ³ (b. 1955) is from Meldrogungkar County. At the time of his arrest, Sonam worked as an interpreter. He was arrested on 5 June 1994, and sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison.