Phuntsok Samten, born in 1964 and known by his lay name Penpa, was a monk of Tashigang Monastery at the time of his arrest. On 4 September 1991, he and another monk from the same monastery, Tsering Dhondup, were arrested for participating in a peaceful demonstration.

Following their arrest, Phuntsok Samten was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment and sent to Drapchi Prison. Tsering Dhondup received a sentence of five years’ imprisonment and has since been released after completing his term.