Phuntsok Youden (b. 1973), a nun from Chubsang Nunnery, was arrested in early July 1996 for participating in a peaceful demonstration at the Tsuklhakhang Temple in Lhasa City. She was detained along with three other nuns from the same nunnery—Jampel, Lobsang Choedon, and Tsenyi. The four nuns were arrested separately between 1 July and 6 July 1996 in connection with their involvement in the protest. Following their arrest, the nuns were charged by Chinese authorities for taking part in activities considered politically sensitive. Phuntsok Youden and Lobsang Choedon were each sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, while Jampel and Tsenyi received longer sentences of six years.

After sentencing, Phuntsok Youden and the other nuns were transferred to Drapchi Prison in Lhasa to serve their terms. Phuntsok Youden was later released after completing her three-year sentence.