Tashi Loyak, a monk associated with Nalanda Monastery in Phenpo Lhundrup County, was arrested during the Chinese authorities’ crackdown on the monastery in early 1995. The arrests followed a series of pro-independence activities carried out by monks, including the display of the Tibetan national flag and distribution of political materials.

He was detained along with several other monks and accused of engaging in “counter-revolutionary” activities. After a period of detention and investigation, Tashi Loyak was formally tried and, in July 1995, sentenced by the Intermediate People’s Court of Lhasa to five years’ imprisonment. In addition, he was deprived of his political rights for two years.

During his imprisonment, Tashi Loyak, like other detained monks, was subjected to harsh prison conditions, including forced labour, political re-education, and the risk of physical abuse for non-compliance.