Lobsang, a Tibetan monk born in 1979, was arrested at age 15 on December 10, 1994, for participating in a political protest in which he helped paint “Free Tibet” slogans. He was detained without due process, unaware of his trial, and later informed he had been sentenced to two years in prison. He spent 4 months in Taktse prison and was then transferred to Trisam prison for about 1 year and 9 months, before being released on December 9, 1996.

He experienced illness due to prison conditions, including severe diarrheas and weakness, and received limited medical care. While a clinic existed, treatment was minimal and delayed. Prisoners who were politically active faced especially brutal treatment, including beatings, electric shocks, and solitary confinement. Lobsang himself was beaten regularly during enforced exercise sessions.

He was initially held in solitary confinement in a dark cell with minimal food (tsampa and tea once daily) and no proper bedding. Psychological and physical abuse were common, and some prisoners resorted to suicide due to torture and conditions. Religious freedom was restricted, and prisoners were subjected to political indoctrination instead of education. Family visits were allowed only twice a month for 15 minutes.

A significant personal tragedy involved his cousin Passang, who was imprisoned separately, subjected to severe mistreatment including solitary confinement and public humiliation, suffered deteriorating health, and eventually died in prison due to inadequate medical care.

After release, Lobsang was prohibited from continuing his monastic life, prompting him to leave Tibet for India in 1997.