Tenpa Wangdrak (born 1941), also known as Sonam, was a monk at Gaden Monastery who was arrested in March 1988 after participating in a peaceful demonstration advocating Tibetan independence and protesting the imprisonment of a fellow monk. Following his arrest, he was subjected to repeated interrogations by Chinese authorities regarding his political beliefs, associations, and activities before being formally charged.

On 17 December 1988, Tenpa was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment on allegations of leading the protest and opposing Chinese rule in Tibet. Although he was informed of his right to appeal, he declined due to concerns that it would be ineffective or result in a harsher sentence.

During his imprisonment, Tenpa was transferred to Drapchi Prison, where he was assigned agricultural labor. In March 1991, after attempting to submit a petition to a visiting prison delegation, he was severely beaten and placed in solitary confinement before later being released from isolation. Reports also indicated that his health deteriorated in custody, including significant loss of eyesight, highlighting concerns over his treatment and prison conditions.