Younten Sangmo

POLITICAL PRISONER
Does it have an image?
No
Gender
Female
Age at Detention
16
Occupation at Detention
Religious
Vulnerable Group at Detention
  • Juvenile
  • Religious
Date of arrest
02/07/1989
Detention Centre/Prison
Gutsa Prison
Description of event

Younten Sangmo was 16 years old when she participated in a protest during the Tibetan Yogurt Festival (Sho Dun) at Norbulingka on 2 July 1989. The protest involved 20 participants, including 18 nuns and two monks. Although police surrounded the area, 11 protesters escaped amid the chaos, while nine were arrested. Those detained were interrogated and beaten with electric batons.

Younten Sangmo was convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at Gutsa Prison, where she was subjected to forced labour. After one year and five months, her heart condition worsened, and she was released early on medical grounds. She later escaped into exile and arrived in India on 27 October 1991.

Violations Faced in Detention
  • Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment: Forced Labor
Types of Human Rights Violations
  • Civil and Political Rights Violations: Right to Freedom of Expression and Opinion
Length of Sentence
2 years
Prison Location
Status of Detention
Released: Early release
Date of release
1991
Type of Sources
  • Primary: TCHRD field sources
Torture
Torture
Published
Published