Jamyang Gyatso, (Lay name: Lhundrup Kalsang)a monk from Gyaltse Palchoe Monastery, was arrested on 20 December 1996 after traveling to Lhasa, where he obtained a prayer dedicated to the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and shared it with monks and laypeople. He was initially detained at Gyaltse Detention Centre and subjected to beatings during interrogation, before being transferred to Nyari Detention Centre in Shigatse.

Although his actions were entirely peaceful, authorities charged him with “endangering state security” and sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment, along with an additional year of deprivation of political rights. He was later transferred to Drapchi Prison, where he continued to serve his sentence under harsh and restrictive conditions. Jamyang was the youngest of four siblings from a stable family background. He entered monastic life at the age of sixteen and was ordained in 1987.