Dawa Tsering, a native of the Kirey area on the eastern side of the Barkhor in Lhasa, became involved in pro-democracy demonstrations at a young age. During the widespread protests of September and October 1987, he joined the demonstrations and narrowly escaped arrest. He again participated in protests in March 1988, once more avoiding detention.

On 7 March 1989, Dawa was identified as part of a group of approximately twenty young men from Tsomuling who were discussing ways to take part in the growing protest movement. This activity drew the attention of the police, and Dawa was subsequently targeted. When officers failed to find him at home, they reportedly threatened his parents at gunpoint, warning that they would detain them if Dawa did not surrender. Acting on his father’s advice, Dawa went into hiding at his sister’s home, where he remained until June 1989.

In June 1989, police located and arrested him. Following his detention, Dawa Tsering was subjected to severe interrogation and brutal torture. He was later sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at Drapchi Prison.