Former Tibetan political prisoner who served 21 years in prison rearrested

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, May 31: Former Tibetan political prisoner Lodoe Gyatso from Kham Sogshoed who served 21-years in Chushul prison near the Tibetan capital city Lhasa was rearrested by Chinese authorities.

Lodoe Gyatso also known as Sogkhar Lodoe was rearrested by the Chinese authorities on May 14, 2016 at 12 am (local Time) from Lhasa.

His family members have no information about the charges levied against him or the prison where he is being confided.

Gyatso was formerly arrested in 1991 on alleged murder charges and sentenced to 15 years in Drapchi prison. While serving his sentence, Gyatso lead a protest in the prison against China’s occupation of Tibet, called for Tibet’s independence and shouted slogans calling for His Holiness’ long life and unity of the Tibetan people on March 4, 1995.

Following his protest, the prison officials wrote to the court and pressed for his death sentence but after repeated appeals by the Amnesty International and United Nations for Clemency, Chinese authorities waved off the death sentence and Gyatso was sentenced to six additional years.

After completing his 21 years’ sentence and enduring callous torture, Gyatso at the age of 52 was released in poor health from the notorious Chushul prison on outskirt of the Tibetan capital city Lhasa on May 2, 2013.

His whereabouts and condition still remain unknown.