Ngawang Phulchung, born in 1956 in Toe Lung Dechen County, was a monk of Drepung Monastery. He was arrested in 1989 for his involvement in underground political activities opposing Chinese rule in Tibet. On 30 November 1989, he was formally charged with “counter-revolutionary” offenses and sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment, along with an additional five years’ deprivation of political rights.

In January 1990, Ngawang Phulchung was transferred to Drapchi Prison in Lhasa, one of Tibet’s most notorious detention facilities. Since his transfer, he has remained incarcerated there, with no reports of his release. His long imprisonment reflects the severe punishment imposed on Tibetan monks accused of peaceful political dissent during this period.