Ngawang Woeser (born 1970), a monk from Drepung Monastery and native of Dranang County, Lhoka Region, was actively involved in the Tibetan pro-independence movement. In 1988, he co-founded a clandestine ten-member organisation known as the Organisation of Ten, which disseminated speeches by the Dalai Lama, Tibetan human rights literature, and a proposed democratic constitution for Tibet. He also participated in the landmark peaceful demonstration by Drepung monks in Lhasa on 27 September 1987.

Following the 1987 protest, Ngawang Woeser was detained at Gutsa Detention Centre and Sangyip Prison for approximately four months, where he underwent repeated interrogations before being released on 21 January 1988. Despite being expelled from Drepung Monastery, he continued his political activities and remained a leading member of the Organisation of Ten.

On 16 April 1989, Chinese authorities rearrested Ngawang Woeser after uncovering the organisation's activities. He was held in Sangyip Prison for nearly one year and subjected to prolonged abusive interrogations. On 30 November 1989, the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court sentenced him to 17 years' imprisonment on charges including "counter-revolutionary activities," "incitement of pro-independence activities," and "leaking state secrets." He was transferred to Drapchi Prison on 15 January 1990, where he was reportedly forced to undergo "Reform Through Labour" and political re-education. Reports from former fellow prisoners indicated that his health significantly deteriorated during his imprisonment.