Tibetan political prisoner released after completing ten years’ sentence

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, August 22: Adruk Lopoe, a Tibetan monk has been released by the Chinese authorities after completing his ten years’ sentence.

Adruk Lopoe was released on August 21 at around 11 pm (Local Chinese Time), Geshe Adruk Tsetan, Tibetan Parliamentarian and relative of the Tibetan political prisoner told Tibet Express.

However, his health condition after his release remains unknown after spending a decade in Chinese prison.

Adruk Lopoe is nephew of Rongye Adrak, a prominent Tibetan political prisoner.

He was arrested by Lithang County Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials on the evening of August 21, 2007 as he called for the release of Rongye Adrak, who spoke against China’s repressive policies in Tibet through a microphone at a popular horse racing festival held on August 1, 2007 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army in Lithang. Rongye Adrak called for the return of the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, freedom for Tibetans and release of Tibetan political prisoners including the 11th Panchen Lama and Trulku Tenzin Delek.

Adruk Lopoe was later charged with espionage and subversion of state power.

Son of Adruk Wangdue and Ronggye Tsewang Dolma, Adruk Lopoe was born in 1962 in Yonru Kharshul Village in Ponkar Township of Lithang County, Kardze in Traditional Tibetan province of Kham. He was ordained as a monk at the age of eight at Lithang Monastery.