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![]() ![]() Political Prisoners And Prisoners Of Conscience Tibetans inside Tibet have continued to exercise their right to freedom of expression in speaking out against human rights abuses perpetrated by the authorities of the PRC in Tibet. This usually takes the form of small peaceful demonstrations and the distribution or display of materials calling for respect for human rights and Tibetan independence. As of December 31, 1997, 1,216 known Tibetan political prisoners and prisoners of conscience were suffering in various Chinese prisons in Tibet, including 295 women and 39 juvenile political prisoners below the age of 18. Many of these individuals have already served incredibly long periods deprived of their freedom; for some this may be the second or third time they have been imprisoned. There are currently 85 prisoners known to be serving prison sentences of 10 years and above. During the 1996 year, 204 cases of known arrests of Tibetans exercising their freedom of expression and assembly were reported. Due to the difficulties and time lags involved in receiving information from Tibet, a further 53 cases of arrests in 1996 were not reported until 1997, bringing the current total of known arrests for 1996 to 257(17)17. Two deaths relating to prison torture which occurred in 1996 were also not reported until 1997. The majority of the new cases of 1996 arrests were of monks who failed to satisfy Chinese "re-education work-teams". Lobsang Tenchok (17), Lobsang Tharchin (18), Lobsang Tenchong (18), Bhagzo (58) and Dradul (57) were all arrested in relation to the Panchen Lama reincarnation issue; Soepa (24), Jamyang Thinley (25) and Gonpo Sonam (30) were arrested in May 1996 for possessing photographs of the Dalai Lama. Jamyang Thinley was released on medical grounds on September 13, 1996, after four months in Chamdo Prison and died five days later. All of the others are still in prison. The eight-year-old Panchen Lama, together with his parents, continues to be held by Chinese authorities; the whereabouts of all three still unknown. The Panchen Lama reincarnation issue has also resulted in the imprisonment of Chadrel Rinpoche, former abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, for six years. Political prisoners such as Tsering Ngodup (66) and Sonam Dhondup (24) are serving periods of 12 years in prison for expressing their political views. Lobsang Tenzin and Ngawang Choephel have both been sentenced to 18 year prison terms on suspicion of being involved in political activities. Tanak Jigme Sangpo (71), the longest known current political prisoner in Tibet, will have spent 41 years in prison by the time he is released in 2011. Nuns like Phuntsok Nyidron (29), Jigme Yangchen (28), Tenzin Thupten (27), Ngawang Sangdrol (21) and Gyaltsen Dolker (27) have been sentenced from 12 to 17 years for recording songs and poems whilst in prison. Tibetans imprisoned for expressing their political views or religious beliefs, such as their loyalty to the Dalai Lama, are often treated very poorly whilst in detention. They may be subjected to various cruel methods of physical and mental torture, sometimes as a means of obtaining "confessions" during interrogation sessions; they are frequently held incommunicado and detained in prison conditions that fall far short of international standards. In 1997, 96 Tibetans were reported to have been arrested. While the arrest rate is lower for 1997 than the previous year, this is not indicative of a relaxation in repressive Chinese policies. Many Tibetan monks and nuns have avoided arrest by leaving their monastery/nunnery before being examined by the work-team and the figures reflect only the reports received to date. New Political Prisoners Placed in Detention in 1997 On January 1, 1997, five monks from Drayab Magon Monastery (Drayab County, Chamdo Region, "TAR") ( Gonpo (23), Shadok (45), Chime Lobsang (18), Ngawang (21) and Tashi Nyima (19) ( were arrested for pasting wall posters reading "Free Tibet" and "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama" and were sentenced to six years. Six Tibetans named Dawa (60), Kelsang Tsewang (49), Lhakpa Tsamchoe, Pema Choedon, Migmar Dolma and Dakpa Wangden were arrested prior to the July 1 Hong Kong hand-over to prevent political unrest. Menpa Dorjee, (55), Gedun Dondrup (40), Dakpa Gyaltsen (23) and Gedun Ngodrup (22) were arrested for hanging the Tibetan national flag. Tsering Tashi (30), Yidhi (24), Lungtok and Choejor were arrested for pasting wall posters reading "Free Tibet" and "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama". Gyurmey Dorjee, a monk from Dhargey Choeling Monastery in Tsethang Sub-County, Lhoka Region, "TAR", was arrested by PSB officials in May 1997 for writing leaflets calling for Tibetan independence.
Cases of Long Serving Political Prisoners Still in Detention Tanak Jigme Sangpo, a 71-year-old former primary school teacher, is serving one of the longest sentences imposed on a prisoner of conscience in Tibet. By the time he is released, in 2011, at the age of 85, Tanak Jigme Sangpo will have spent 28 unbroken years in prison. In 1983, aged 57, he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for "counter-revolutionary propaganda and incitement". In 1988 he received an additional five year prison sentence for shouting pro-independence slogans in jail. In December 1991, he was reported to have been beaten for shouting slogans during a visit to Drapchi Prison by Swiss government officials and to have been subsequently held in solitary confinement for at least six weeks. His sentence was again increased, this time by a further eight years. He remains in Drapchi Prison. Jigme Sangpo had spent at least 13 years in prison for similar offences before 1980 and he shall have spent a total of 41 years in prison by 2011, when he is due for release. Ngawang Phulchung, a monk aged 37 or 38 from Drepung Monastery, was sentenced at a public rally on November 30, 1989, to 19 years imprisonment. He was accused of forming a "counter-revolutionary group" which had clandestinely produced political leaflets from Drepung Monastery. Ngawang Phulchung was arrested in April 1989 along with three other Drepung monks. Among the "reactionary literature" published by the group was a complete Tibetan translation of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On March 30, 1991, he was severely beaten and placed in solitary confinement for trying to hand over a petition protesting prison conditions to an American delegation visiting Drapchi Prison. Sholpa Dawa, a 57-year-old tailor in Lhasa, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment in October/November 1996, after almost 14 months of detention without charge. He had been arrested in Lhasa in early August 1995 for engaging in "political activities". Sholpa Dawa was first arrested on September 29, 1981, and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and one year deprivation of political rights for allegedly distributing pamphlets on the independence of Tibet. He spent six months in Gutsa Detention Centre and one and a half years in Sangyip Prison. On November 8, 1985, he was arrested for the second time for distributing pamphlets denouncing the deteriorating living conditions for Tibetans and was sentenced to four years in Sangyip Prison and one year deprivation of political rights. By the time he is released, Sholpa Dawa will have spent a total of 16 years in prison for expressing his views. Ngawang Pekar, a 35-year-old monk from Drepung Monastery, was halfway through an eight year sentence when his prison term was extended by six years on March 31, 1996. In August 1995, while in Drapchi Prison, Ngawang Pekar was caught trying to smuggle out a list of political prisoners and a document describing human rights violations. Ngawang Pekar, who was first arrested on July 12, 1989, for putting up independence posters and participating in a demonstration, is now serving a total of 14 years in prison. Lobsang Tenzin, a 28-year-old former student of Tibet University, was sentenced to life imprisonment in March 1991. Arrested on March 19, 1988, Lobsang Tenzin was implicated as the "principal culprit" in the death of a People's Armed Police officer during the independence demonstrations in Lhasa on March 5, 1988. Lobsang Tenzin was also one of the political prisoners involved in trying to hand over a petition to James Lilley, then U.S. Ambassador to China, while he was visiting Drapchi Prison. According to recent reports from former political prisoners, Lobsang Tenzin's sentence has been reduced to 18 years which he is presently serving in Powo Tramo Labour Camp. Tenpa Wangdrak (lay name: Sonam), a 52-year-old former monk of Ganden Monastery, was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in 1991 for attempting, while in Drapchi prison, to hand over a petition protesting prison conditions to James Lilley, then U.S. Ambassador to China. Tenpa Wangdrak had been arrested on March 7, 1988, for participating in a demonstration. On April 28, 1991, he was moved to the labour camp in Powo Tramo County in Nyingchi Region and was held in Dhamchu, a unit within the prison complex. Jampel Changchub, a 36-year-old monk from Drepung Monastery, was arrested on April 16, 1989, and was tried at a mass public meeting in Lhasa on November 30, 1989. Charged with "counter-revolutionary" advocacy of Tibetan independence, Jampel Changchub was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment with five years deprivation of political rights. He is presently in Drapchi Prison in Lhasa. Ngawang Woeser (lay name: Jamyang), aged 25 from Lhokha Dranang, was arrested on 16 April 1989 and sentenced to 17 years prison with five years deprivation of political rights. He was accused of being a "main culprit" in organising a "counter-revolutionary clique" and spreading propaganda. Jigme Yangchen, aged 28 years from Lhoka Kyeshe, was a nun at Shugseb Nunnery. At present she is serving a 12 year prison term in Drapchi Prison. She was first arrested for participating with 14 other Shugseb nuns in a pro-independence demonstration in the Barkhor on August 28, 1990, and was sentenced to seven years. Jigme was later involved in recording songs and poems on a tape recorder smuggled into Drapchi Prison and was charged with "counter-revolutionary" acts. As a result, her sentence was extended by a further five years on October 8, 1993, bringing her prison term to a current total of 12 years. Sonam Dhondup, aged 24 years, comes from Phenpo Khatse in Lhundup Dzong (County). Sonam was a monk in Nyalenda Monastery and was arrested when a booklet on Tibet and a Tibetan national flag were found in his room. At present he is serving a 12 year sentence in Gutsa Detention Centre. Tsering Ngodup, aged 66 years and also known as Pa Tsengon, was arrested on April 7, 1989. Tsering, a former restaurant manager, was accused of having often engaged in "inciting" youths who came into his restaurant to take part in pro-independence demonstrations. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and four years subsequent deprivation of political rights. Tenzin Thupten (layname Dawa Yangchen), aged 27, is from Meldro Gongkar in Lhasa City. Tenzin, a nun from Michungri Nunnery, was arrested for participating in a short demonstration during the Shoton festival (Tibetan opera festival) along with eight nuns from Michungri Nunnery and five from Garu Nunnery. Tenzin was taken to Gutsa Detention Centre and sentenced to five years by the Lhasa City People's Intermediate Court before being transferred to Drapchi Prison. In 1993 while in prison, she and 13 other nuns recorded songs and poems on a smuggled tape recorder and the recording was later distributed in Tibet. Tenzin Thupten's sentence was increased by nine years making her total sentence 14 years. Jampa Ngodrup, aged 46 from Lhasa, was a doctor in Tibetan medicine at the Barkhor East Nyarong Clinic. Jampa was first detained for unknown reasons on October 27, 1987, and then again on October 20, 1989. He was held without charge for 10 months and was tried by the Lhasa Muncipal People's Court on December 24, 1990. Jampa was sentenced to 13 years for "espionage" for having exchanged information regarding arrests of Tibetans with a "foreign resident" and was deprived of his political rights for four years. Presently in Drapchi Prison, Jampa is suffering from such extreme fluid retention that he is unable to walk without crutches and is suspected to have tuberculosis. Lodroe Gyatso, aged 38 years, was a dance artist and three times weight-lifting champion in Sog County, Nagchu Region. In April 1994 Lodroe was sentenced to 15 years after a fight between himself and a Tibetan known to be pro-Chinese resulted in the other man's death. While in prison, Lodroe staged a one-man demonstration calling for Tibet's independence and distributing pamphlets and posters. He was taken to a torture cell where he was kicked and beaten when he refused to confess. When news that prison officials had made an execution order against Lodroe was smuggled out by other prisoners, the UN made a special appeal to China and Lodroe was sentenced to six more years from May 1995, bringing his total sentence to 21 years. Ngawang Sangdrol, commonly known as Rigchog, is a 21-year-old nun from Garu Nunnery. Ngawang was first arrested at the age of ten for independence demonstrations and then again at age 13 when she was detained without charge for nine months and forbidden to rejoin her nunnery. In 1992 Ngawang was again arrested for demonstrating and, aged only 15, was sentenced to three years. While in Drapchi Prison, Ngawang participated in a covert recording of songs and poems, and her sentence was extended by six years in October 1993. In March 1996, Ngawang defied prison officials as a protest against the prison's Panchen Lama re-education campaign and shouted "Free Tibet". Her sentence was extended by a further nine years in July 1996, bringing her total current sentence to 18 years. She is the longest serving known female political prisoner in Tibet. Rinzin Wangyal, alias Rinwang, is 50 years old and formerly worked in a cement factory in Lhasa. Rinzin was arrested in August 1995, suspected of being involved in a political movement aimed at disrupting "TAR" anniversary celebrations. Rinzin was reportedly sentenced on December 13, 1996, to 16 years imprisonment. Rinzin had already served between 15 to 17 years in prison from 1966-67 until 1982-83 after he was arrested for allegedly organising an underground movement. Gyaltsen Dolkar, layname Dawa, is a 27-year-old nun from Garu Nunnery. She was arrested on August 21, 1990, for calling slogans of "Free Tibet" and "Chinese Quit Tibet" during the opera festival in Norbulingka Palace, Lhasa, on August 21, 1990, along with 12 other Garu nuns. Gyaltsen was sentenced to four years prison with one year deprivation of political rights. While serving her sentence, she and 13 other nuns recorded pro-independence songs and messages to their families and were charged with "spreading counter-revolutionary propaganda". In 1993, Gyaltsen Dolkar was sentenced to an additional eight years and is presently serving a total of 12 years imprisonment in Drapchi prison. Ngawang Choephel, is a 31-year-old Tibetan music teacher living in India who, while travelling in Tibet to gather material for a film documentary on Tibetan traditional music and performing arts, was detained in Shigatse in September 1995. In October 1996 the PRC acknowledged his detention and on December 26, 1996, the Intermediate People's Court of Shigatse Region sentenced him to 18 years prison and four years deprivation of political rights for "espionage activities". Chinese authorities have refused to disclose where Ngawang Choephel is being held and he was last seen on October 16, 1996, in Sangyip Prison. The state of his health is reported by a former prison mate in Nyari Prison as very weak. Ngawang's mother, Sonam Dekyi, has been holding a solo demonstration in Delhi, India, since July 1997. Despite an international signature campaign and appeals to Chinese authorities to allow Sonam Dekyi to see her son, she has not been granted permission to visit Tibet. Phuntsok Nyidron is a 29-year-old nun from Michungri Nunnery. She was first arrested on October 14, 1989, for leading a demonstration in Lhasa's Barkhor area and was sentenced to nine years. While in prison she and 13 other nuns made a covert recording on a tape-recorder smuggled into the prison and copies were later circulated in Tibet. Her sentence was extended by eight years making her total sentence 17 years which she is presently serving in Drapchi Prison. In 1995 Phuntsok Nyidron was named as a recipient of the Reebok Human Rights Award. Known Tibetan Political Prisoners Serving Sentences of 10 Years and Above Jigme Gyatso, in his 30s, was a businessman and also a former monk of Labrang Monastery in Tashi Kyil, in Gansu Province. Jigme was arrested in 1987 for political reasons and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1988. He is presently in Drapchi Prison, Lhasa. Ngawang Gyaltsen (lay name: Nga-Gyan) is a 39-year-old Drepung Monastery monk originally from Toelung Dechen County, Lhasa City. He was arrested on April 16, 1989, and sentenced to 17 years with five years subsequent deprivation of political rights. Ngawang Gyaltsen is presently serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison. Dramdul, a 27-year-old ex-soldier from Lhasa Town 2, was arrested on March 12, 1989, and sentenced to 16 years. He is presently in Drapchi Prison. Lhundrup Dorje, a 27-year-old farmer from Dashar village under Medro Gyama Trikhang District, Lhasa City, was arrested on June 30, 1992, and sentenced on October 20, 1992, to 15 years imprisonment with four years deprivation of political rights. Ngawang Chamtsul (lay name Loyak), a 38-year-old former caretaker-monk at the Potala Palace, Lhasa, was arrested on March 10, 1989. He was sentenced at a mass rally on December 6, 1989, to 15 years imprisonment with five years deprivation of political rights. He is presently in Drapchi Prison. Tenzin Thupten, a 27-year-old nun of Michungri Nunnery, was arrested on August 12, 1990, and sentenced to 14 years prison. She is presently serving her sentence in Drapchi Prison. Kunchok Lodroe, a 27-year-old farmer from Dashar village under Medro Gyama Trikhang District, Lhasa City, was arrested on June 30, 1992, and sentenced on October 20, 1992, to 13 years prison with four years deprivation of political rights. He is presently serving his term in Drapchi Prison. Sonam Rinchen is a 27-year-old farmer from Dashar village in Meldro Gongkar County, Lhasa City. He was arrested on June 30, 1992, and sentenced on October 20, 1992, to 13 years with four years subsequent deprivation of political rights and is presently in Drapchi Prison. Ngawang Tsamdrol, a 24-year-old nun from Nyengon Nunnery, was arrested on May 14, 1992, and sentenced to 13 years. She is presently in Drapchi Prison. Tsering Phuntsog is a 30-year-old monk from Paelkhor Choede Monastery. He was arrested in August 1990 and sentenced to 13 years and is presently in Drapchi Prison. Lobsang Gelek is a 26-year-old Sera monk from Toe, Lhatse. He was arrested on November 17, 1989, and sentenced in 1990 to 12 years prison. He is presently in Drapchi Prison. Rinzin Choekyi is a 25-year-old nun of Shugseb nunnery. She was arrested on August 28, 1990, and sentenced to 12 years and is presently in Drapchi Prison. Namdrol Lhamo, a 30-year-old nun of Chubsang Nunnery, was arrested on May 12, 1992, and sentenced to 12 years. She is presently in Drapchi Prison. Ngawang Choezom is a 25-year-old nun from Chubsang Nunnery. She was arrested on March 21, 1992, and sentenced to 11 years and is presently in Drapchi Prison. Ngodrup (also known as Ngodrup Phuntsog and Ngophun), is a 39-year-old former member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from Lhasa. He was arrested in March 1989 and sentenced to 11 years with four years subsequent deprivation of political rights. Lobsang Palden (lay name: Gyalthar or Gyaltsen Tharchin), aged 36 from Chamdo Pakshoe County, Chamdo Region, "TAR", was sentenced to 10 years in 1991 on charges of "reactionary behaviour". He is presently serving his term in Powo Tramo Labour Camp. Ngawang Sungrab is a 24-year-old monk from Drepung Monastery, Lhasa. He was arrested on September 27, 1991, and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. He is presently in Drapchi Prison. Ngawang Tensang, a 28-year-old monk from Drepung Monastery, Lhasa, was arrested on September 14, 1991, and sentenced to 10 years. He is presently in Drapchi Prison. Ngawang Lochoe is a 26-year-old nun from Nyengoen Nunnery who was arrested on May 4, 1992, and sentenced to 10 years. She is presently in Drapchi Prison. Tendar Phuntsog, a 66-year-old caretaker-monk from the Potala Palace, Lhasa, was arrested on March 8, 1989, and sentenced to 10 years. He is presently in Drapchi Prison. Ngawang Choephel, a 33-year-old monk from Ghemo Monastery in Lithang, was arrested on August 20, 1993, and sentenced in 1996 to 10 years. He may be detained in the Lithang Dzong Prison, Karze "TAP". Jampel Lobsang (also known as Jampel Losel), aged 31 from Taktse County, Lhasa City, was arrested in March 1989 and sentenced to 10 years with three years subsequent deprivation of political rights. Chimme Dorjee a 30-year-old Serwa Monastery monk from Pashoe County, Chamdo Region, was arrested on March 29, 1994. He was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment with deprivation of political rights for a further five years . Lobsang Tsegyal (alias Lobsang Dhargye), aged 30 from Serwa Village, was a monk in Serwa Monastery, Chamdo. He was arrested on March 29, 1994, and was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment with deprivation of political rights for a further five years . Pema Tsering, a 26-year-old Serwa monk from Pashoe County, Chamdo Region, was arrested on March 29, 1994. He was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment with deprivation of political rights for a further five years . Jampa Tashi, a 29-year-old Serwa monk from Gyabdo village, was arrested on March 29, 1994. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment with deprivation of political rights for a further four years . Lobsang Palden, a 27-year-old monk from Serwa village, Chamdo Region, was arrested on March 29, 1994. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment with deprivation of political rights for a further four years.
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