Lobsang Choeden, and three monks at Palchoe Monastery were arrested by the Gyantse County PSB officials on 5 December 1996 after authorities discovered a prohibited Tibetan National Flag and political leaflets in his room. Earlier, on 2 November 1996, he and two fellow monks had distributed the “Long Life Prayer” during a Buddhist ceremony. Following his arrest, he was detained in Gyantse Detention Centre and later transferred to Nyari Detention Centre.

Sentenced to imprisonment at Drapchi Prison, Lobsang Choeden was deemed too ill to be moved and remained in Nyari. In late 1997, he was released on medical parole. His case highlights the severe repression faced by monks involved in religious and cultural activities under Chinese authorities.