Ngawang Dekyi was a 25-year-old nun from Poto Nunnery in Phenpo Lhundrup, originally from Damshung County. She was arrested in 1995 after participating in a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa. Initially detained at Gutsa Detention Centre, she was later sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in Drapchi Prison.

During her detention, Ngawang Dekyi was reportedly subjected to severe beatings and ill-treatment, which led to a serious deterioration in her health. On 5 January 1998, she was transferred in critical condition to the Lhasa Regional Military Hospital, where she remained for 16 days.

Ngawang Dekyi died on 21 January 1998, with reports indicating that her death resulted from injuries sustained due to repeated beatings in prison. Her family was not informed of her condition until after her death, and authorities initially withheld her body, restricting traditional funeral rites. Evidence from witnesses suggested extensive physical trauma, confirming the severity of abuse she endured while in custody