UPDATE: Phuntsog Nyidrol has been released from Drapchi Prison. See press release issued 26 February 2004.

Urgent Campaign - 24 September 2003

34 year old Tibetan nun, Phuntsog Nyidrol, is serving 16 years in the unit known as Rukhag 3 which houses all female political prisoners in Tibet's notorious Drapchi Prison. She is not due for release until 2005. Phuntsog has been subjected to torture and ill-treatment and there are profound concerns for her health as she is known to have liver, stomach and kidney problems.

Ngawang Sangdrol, a former political prisoner who was the focus of a major international campaign, spoke of her concern for Phuntsog when she visited the UK in June 2003: "I am very worried about Phuntsog who still has two years of her sentence to go. She is very ill and has been terribly affected psychologically by the beatings and torture. It is very important for me that she be released from prison and allowed to get medical help."

In 2002, seven political prisoners were released early. Free Tibet Campaign believes that this was in part a result of your campaigning. Please help raise the profile of Phuntsog Nyidrol . Included in the campaign action for Phuntsog Nyidrol, is a request to ask you to call on the Chinese authorities to close Rukhag 3, the unit which houses all female political prisoners and is infamous for its brutality.

Please act on her behalf now:

1. Download the Action postcard on her behalf (available only to UK residents), or alternatively you can request a hard copy from our office. Call 020 7833 9958.

2. Download the petition on Phuntsog's behalf which is addressed to the Chinese Ambassador in the UK.

3. Download the case sheet on Phuntsog that gives you details on how to write directly to the Chinese authorities, calling for her immediate release on medical parole.

(Please contact Free Tibet Campaign if acting after 1 December 2003)