Lobsang Sonam (born 1959), a resident of Je-bum Gang, Lhasa, was only 29 years old when he lost his life as a result of injuries sustained during the 5 March 1988 protest in Lhasa. During the crackdown on demonstrators, he was shot in the back by Chinese security forces. The bullet remained lodged in his stomach.

In an apparent attempt to conceal his involvement in the protest, he was initially taken to his home rather than to a medical facility. As his condition deteriorated, he was taken to Lhasa City Hospital, where he was refused treatment after being labeled a “counterrevolutionary.” He was later admitted to the People’s Hospital, but even there he failed to receive adequate medical care.

Lobsang Sonam died on 5 April 1988 as a result of gross medical negligence. He was never formally charged, tried, or sentenced. His death underscores the lethal consequences of the use of excessive force and the denial of medical treatment against Tibetan protesters.