Tibetan singer released after four years’ imprisonment

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, Feb 3: A popular Tibetan singer was released by the Chinese authorities after completing four years’ sentence.

The singer, Achok Phulshung was released on Feb 2 by Chinese authorities from Sichuan’s Mianyang prison upon completing his sentence, according to online media reports.

Though his health condition after his release remains unknown, Achok Phulshung is said to have arrived in his home town located in Khyungchu county in Ngaba region in the traditional Tibetan province of Amdo the same evening to a grand reception.

Achok Phulshung, the 33-yr-old Tibetan singer is known for his patriotic songs. He was arrested on Aug 3, 2012 by Chinese authorities for praising the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan political leader, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay in a song in his fifth album.

The young Tibetan singer was held in secret detention before his sentencing and was later kept in Mianyang prison.