24 November 2006
Sonam Gyalpo sentenced
According to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), Lhasa Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Sonam Gyalpo, to twelve years in jail on charges of "endangering state security". He is currently imprisoned at Chushul (Chin: Qushui) prison west of Lhasa. Prior to the sentencing, which reportedly took place around mid 2006, he was held at Sitru Detention Centre. He was detained on 28 August 2005 during a sweep by the State Security Bureau (SSB) in the days leading to festivities marking the 40th anniversary of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which began on 01 September. Pictures, video tapes and books relating to the Dalai Lama, were seized from his home. Sonam Gyalpo, 44, was first arrested on 27 September 1987, with 21 monks from Drepung monastery, during a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa. He was later charged for his involvement in this demonstration, and for pasting posters against the Reform Policy. He spent three years in Drapchi Prison (Tibet Autonomous Region Prison Number One), before being released on 20 September 1990. He spent one more year in prison after being arrested again on 23 July 2003, following a trip to India without valid documents.