Political prisoners

Many Tibetans are currently held as political prisoners


Film maker Dhondup Wangchen is one of many Tibetans currently detained and at serious risk in China's notorious prison system. Jails in Tibet are full of political prisoners, many of whom are serving long term sentences, often for as little as standing up to ask for freedom or sending email to friends outside Tibet.

Arrested in spring 2008 for making the documentary 'Leaving Fear Behind', Dhondup Wangchen was sentenced on 28 December 2009 to a six year term on charges of 'subversion'.

Read more about Dhondup Wangchen's case here.
 

In April 2009, five death sentences were handed out to Tibetans alleged to have taken part in the starting of fires in spring 2008, setting a disturbing precedent. Two of those senteced, Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak, were executed in October 2009. With over 1,000 Tibetans currently missing since being arrested in 2008, the risk of torture and unfair sentences being passed down to these people is severe.

Tibetans sentenced to death

Seven Tibetans have been sentenced to death since the 2008 protests. Two of them have been executed and the others such as Penkyi (left) are at severe risk.

  

Kunchok Tsepel

The founder of a very popular Tibetan literary website was sentenced to fifteen years in November 2009 on unknown charges.

Phurbu Rinpoche

This revered lama is serving an eight and a half year sentence for crimes for which he claims he has been framed. He was reportedly tortured to extract a confession.

  

Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche

This respected monk had his death sentence reduced after international campaigning on his behalf, but is still serving a life term for crimes which have not been properly evidenced.

Norzin Wangmo

This internet blogger is being imprisoned for sending information about Tibet to the outside world.

  

Wangdu

This public health worker was sentenced to a life term simply for sending email to the outside world.

Environmentalist brothers

Three award -winning environmental activist brothers are sentenced after denouncing local officals for illegal poaching.

  

The Panchen Lama

Once the world's youngest political prisoner, the Panchen Lama was arrested aged just six and is still missing today, fifteen years later.
List of current prisoners

There are too many political prisoners in Tibet to list them all, but here you will find some individual cases of Tibetans imprisoned today. Free Tibet continues to campaign for their release.

 
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List of released prisoners

Former prisoners Golog Jigme and Jigme Gyatso stated that their treatment improved when campaigning in their names began. Their testimonies are vital in exposing what is happening in Tibet.

 
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The Missing 1,000

Around 1,000 Tibetans are missing after 2008's protests. With families unaware of their whereabouts are and how they are being treated, it is vital to hold China accountable for the missing Tibetans.

 
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Stop the torture

Following Free Tibet's submission of evidence in late 2008, the UN stated that torture is 'widespread' and 'routine' in Tibet. In this section you can view video testimonies of torture read by celebrities.

 
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