Kirti monk released early after serving over 10 years in jail
DHARAMSALA, 5 Aug: A Tibetan monk has been released by the Chinese authorities after serving over 10 years in prison in the Chinese-occupied Tibet.
“Lobsang Tenzin, a monk from Kirti monastery in restive Ngaba county was released from prison a few days ago after serving more than 10 years,” said Kanyak Tsering and Lobsang Yeshi, the spokespersons of the exile seat of Kirti monastery here in Dharamsala.
However, the information about his health condition after his release remains unknown.
The Tibetan monk was arrested by the Chinese authorities on 23 March 2011 allegedly for his involvement in the death of Lobsang Puntsok, who committed self-immolation in protest against Chinese rule on 16 March 2011.
Tenzin was harshly sentenced to 13 years in prison by the Ngaba Prefecture Intermediate Peoples Court on 28 August 2011.
The reason for his early release after serving 10 years of the original sentence could not be ascertained.