Tsewang Sonam, a monk of Nalanda Monastery in Phenpo Lhundrup County, was arrested during the Chinese authorities’ crackdown on the monastery in early 1995, following a series of pro-independence activities carried out by monks.

He was detained along with several others on accusations of engaging in “counter-revolutionary” activities, including involvement in political expression and support for Tibetan independence. After a period of detention, he was formally sentenced in July 1995 by the Intermediate People’s Court of Lhasa.

Tsewang Sonam received a sentence of four years’ imprisonment along with deprivation of political rights for two years. During his imprisonment, he was subjected to harsh conditions, including political re-education, forced labour, and the risk of torture or ill-treatment for failing to comply with prison regulations.