Lobsang Gelek, also known as Penpa, aged 25, is a monk from Khangmar Monastery in Damshung County. He was arrested on 15 April 1995 by Chinese authorities for participating in a peaceful pro-independence demonstration in the Barkhor area of Lhasa. Following his arrest, he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. His sentence was later extended by an additional four years as punishment for his alleged involvement in a protest inside prison in May 1998, bringing his total sentence to nine years.

On the same day, four other monks from Khangmar Monastery were arrested alongside him: Sangye Tenphel (born 1985), Lobsang Choephal (born 1984), Tenzin Choeppel, and Tenzin Choedrak (born 1975). After trial, Tenzin Choeppel and Sangye Tenphel were each sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, Lobsang Choephal received a four-year sentence, and Lobsang Gelek and Tenzin Choedrak were each sentenced to five years. Sangye Tenphel reportedly suffered severe torture while in detention and died in prison on 6 May 1996 as a result of the abuse he endured. Lobsang Gelek and Tenzin Choedrak are serving their sentences in Drapchi Prison.