Soepa(Zoepa), a 24-year-old monk from Tsawa Bhema, was a resident of Chamdo Monastery in Chamdo County. On 30 May 1996, Chinese authorities raided the monastery, confiscating images of the Dalai Lama and uncovering political leaflets calling for Tibetan independence.

Following the raid, Soepa was arrested along with two other monks, Jamyang Thinley and Gonpo Sonam, and detained in Chamdo Prison. During detention, the monks were reportedly subjected to severe interrogation and torture. While Jamyang Thinley was later released on medical grounds and died shortly after due to injuries sustained in custody, Soepa remained imprisoned.