Penpa, a 35-year-old monk from Lhaden Temple in Lhasa City, is originally from Tsangshalu in Lhasa. He is a former political prisoner who has been arrested on at least two occasions for his alleged involvement in pro-Tibetan activities.

First arrest – 8 March 1989 Penpa was arrested along with seven other monks for participating in a three-day demonstration in Lhasa that drew large numbers of Tibetan participants. Between 5 and 7 March 1989, more than 400 Tibetans were detained in connection with the protests. Penpa was held at Outridu Prison No. 5 in Lhasa. While in detention, he and other prisoners protested against inadequate food rations by throwing their mugs out of the prison windows. Authorities claimed they were unable to provide sufficient food and stated that the detainees “might as well be released.” Penpa was accused of instigating the protest and was severely beaten as punishment.

Second arrest – 14 May 1997 Penpa was arrested by the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) Intelligence Bureau on suspicion of involvement in the distribution of pro-Tibetan wall posters around Lhasa. He was also reportedly found in possession of speeches by the Dalai Lama, an offense regarded as serious under Chinese law. He was initially detained at Outridu Prison No. 5 and later transferred to Outridu Prison No. 2 for interrogation. Reports later indicated that he was being held at Outridu Prison No. 4, although no information has been received regarding any formal charge or sentence.