Tibetan political prisoner released in poor health

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, Dec 5: Dolma Tso, a Tibetan political prisoner sentenced to three years for her alleged involvement in a self-immolation, was released yesterday after completing her sentence.

Dolma Tso was released yesterday around 9pm (local Time). Local Tibetans in hundreds gave her a hero’s welcome by offering traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarves.

When Kunchok Tseten self-immolated on Dec 3 2013, Dolma Tso tried to offer help by lifting up his charred body into a vehicle. The Chinese officials arrested her on the suspicion that she has had links with the self-immolation. While in detention, she was beaten and tortured severely for 11 months.

She was sentenced to three years in prison on murder charges on Nov 3, 2014 by the people’s court of Ngaba county.

According to her brother Kungyam, Dolma Tso is reported to be in poor health with symptoms of dizziness, sleeplessness and a poor heart condition that has gravely worried her family members.

Daughter of Gerik and Dhonkho, Dolma Tso hails from Gestang village of Meruma township in Ngaba County in Amdo province. She has a 14-year-old daughter named Tsultrim Dolma.