Ngawang Kyonmey, a 28-year-old monk from Drepung Monastery in Toelung Dechen County, was arrested in September 1998 on suspicion of involvement in political activism. During a police raid on his residence, authorities reportedly discovered a Tibetan national flag, a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and a letter addressed to the Chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Following his arrest, he was detained in Gutsa Prison for a period of eight months. Throughout his detention, he is said to have endured continuous torture and ill-treatment, without any formal charges, legal representation, or proper judicial proceedings. His case reflects serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, suppression of political expression, and violations of fundamental human rights.