Lhakpa Tsering

POLITICAL PRISONER

Origin County Level

Origin County Geolocation

Latitude: 29.6526199

Longitude: 91.13775

Origin Province

Origin Prefecture

Description of event: Lhakpa Tsering, born in 1970 in Lhasa, was an outstanding student from Lhasa Kyire who attended Lhasa Sharchok School and was widely regarded for his intelligence, discipline, and good character. In his final year of high school, at the age of 19, he was arrested on 4 November 1989 by Chinese authorities on accusations of involvement with the “Snow Lion Youth Organization.” He was further charged with pasting pro-independence posters, reproducing the banned Tibetan national flag, and advocating for Tibetan freedom.

Place(s) of Previous Detention

Violations Faced in Detention

Details of Violations Faced in Detention: Lhakpa Tsering was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and one year of deprivation of political rights. He was initially detained at Gutsa Detention Centre, where he was subjected to severe torture, including beatings with iron chains and electric batons, leaving him physically unrecognizable. He was later transferred to Drapchi Prison in Lhasa, where the abuse continued. Despite his rapidly declining health, he was repeatedly beaten and denied adequate medical treatment.

Types of Human Rights Violations

Civil and Political Rights Violations: Right to Freedom of Association
Civil and Political Rights Violations: Right to Freedom of Expression and Opinion

Prison Location

Consequences of Detention After Release: On 13 December 1990, at just 20 years of age, Lhakpa Tsering died in Drapchi Prison as a result of internal injuries caused by prolonged torture and the deliberate denial of medical care. When his body was returned to his family, it bore clear signs of extensive bruising, blood clots, and severe internal and external injuries. Despite public outrage and appeals by local Tibetans, no credible investigation was conducted, and those responsible were never held accountable.

Type of Sources

TPPD