DHARAMSHALA: Geshe Tsultrim Nyendrak, 40, a teacher at the Rabten monastery in Driru county in the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Nagchu prefecture, has been sentenced to nine years in prison by a local court, according to Radio Free Asia.
The monk was detained in December 2012 by Chinese authorities on suspicion of participating in activities against Chinese rule in Tibet and has been held at a secret location in Lhasa for almost two years since then.
“On July 31, Chinese authorities informed Geshe Nyendrak’s family members that he is serving his prison term in Chushul prison near Lhasa,” RFA quoted a source named Samdrup, who is currently based in exile.
Another source confirmed that the Tibetan monk was subjected to severe torture while in prison. His health was also reported to be in very poor condition and his family have requested for medical support. However, the Chinese authorities have refused the family’s request.
Nyendrak’s Rabten monastery was one of three—including Tarmoe and Drongna—monasteries closed in Driru in December 2013 by Chinese authorities following the monastery’s refusal to participate in political re-education campaigns enforced by the local authorities.
Woman Blogger detained in Yushul
A Tibetan woman writer was detained by Chinese authorities in Dzatoe county in Yulshul (Yushu) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture ( incorporated into China’s Qinghai province) for writing an alleged article on ‘political issues’.
Dawa Tsomo was taken into custody on 23 August after posting a series of writings, including the living conditions of Tibetans in the area following the devastation caused by an earthquake four years ago. Her present whereabouts remain unknown.
“Local Chinese authorities accused her of violating China’s internet rules and regulations by blogging and disseminating articles with political overtones,” RFA reported quoting sources from Tibet.
Dawa Tsomo is a native of Chidza Sachen village Dzatoe county.
A massive earthquake hit Yushul in 2010, causing extensive damage in the area including over 2000 deaths. During the restoration in Yushul in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, lands were illegally grabbed by unscrupulous Chinese authorities, leading to protests by local Tibetans including a self-immolation by a Tibetan woman.
Tibetan discontent was further exacerbated by discriminatory policies favouring migrant Chinese workers over local Tibetans.
