Dolkar, a Tibetan businesswoman from Lhasa (name changed for anonymity), was politically active and participated in protests in October 1987. In March 1989, police attempted to arrest her for involvement in the Monlam demonstrations but instead detained her boyfriend as a hostage; he was released after nine months.

Dolkar was arrested in Beijing in May 1989 and held for nearly two years without trial. She spent one year in isolation at Old-Seitu Prison and was later transferred to Xining and Shigatse prisons. Although not physically tortured, she faced intense interrogation, psychological pressure, and harsh conditions, including accusations of espionage and demands to reveal links with Dharamsala. She was released after protesting her prolonged detention.