Lobsang Tsondrue, also known as Norbu, was a 22-year-old monk from Reting Monastery in Phenpo Lhundrup County. He was detained on 22 November 1996.

He was accused of setting fire to a vehicle belonging to a government “work team” stationed at the monastery and of pasting posters opposing the presence and activities of the monastery’s “work team.” On the basis of these charges, Lobsang Tsondrue was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.