China’s Crackdown Continues: Tibetan Man Imprisoned Over Dalai Lama Photo
By Tsering Choephel
DHARAMSALA, 28 Sept: A Tibetan man named Tsultrim, originally from Amdo Ngaba in eastern Tibet, has reportedly been sentenced to two years in prison for possessing photos of the Dalai Lama, according to a report by Tibet Watch on Tuesday.
The report states that Tsultrim faced charges for sharing a photograph of the Dalai Lama on WeChat, a popular social media platform used in Tibet and China.
His ordeal began when he was interrogated by Chogchi Country Police in July 2022, leading to his detention for two months until his release in September of the same year.
On March 3rd of this year, the police once again visited Tsultrim’s home, subjecting him to a month-long interrogation. Subsequently, he was brought before the Intermediate People’s Court of Ngaba Country and handed a two-year prison sentence on the grounds of “having contact with a separatist outside Tibet.”
Notably, the trial took place in secret, as is the case with all trials involving Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Chinese dissidents who face scrutiny from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Neither Tsultrim’s family nor a lawyer were allowed to be present during the trial proceedings.
Tsultrim is currently serving his sentence in Ya’an Prison, with his rights to receive visits from family members and close friends being blocked.
The images of the Dalai Lama are strictly prohibited in Tibet. Possessing and sharing these images are considered crimes equated with “national threats.” Those arrested for such acts face imprisonment and often endure torture.”
