Sonam Rinchen, a 29-year-old Tibetan political prisoner from Gyama Town in Meldrogungkar County, died in Drapchi Prison in mid-January 2000 after suffering from prolonged illness since 1997. He had been active in pro-independence activities since 1987, including distributing political leaflets in Meldro County and protesting Chinese mining operations in 1990.

On 30 June 1992, Sonam Rinchen, together with Sonam Dorjee, Kunchok Lodoe, and Lhundrup Dorjee, disrupted a “patriotic re-education” meeting by raising the Tibetan national flag and shouting pro-independence slogans. They were arrested and severely beaten. Rinchen’s stepfather, Thupten Yeshi, was later arrested for supporting demonstrators. Both men were subjected to particularly harsh treatment, partly because Rinchen’s brother, Tamdin, had earlier been imprisoned for political activities.

In October 1992, Sonam Rinchen, Thupten Yeshi, and Lhundrup Dorjee were each sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, while Sonam Dorjee and Kunchok Lodoe were sentenced to 13 years. All were transferred to Drapchi Prison, where Sonam Rinchen remained until his death. Tamdin, Rinchen’s brother, had previously been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after his arrest in 1988 for political activities.