Ngawang Pekar, born in 1968, was a monk of Drepung Monastery. He was first arrested in March 1988 for participating in the “March Demonstration” in Lhasa and served nine months in detention. Following his release, he was again arrested on 12 July 1989 for putting up posters calling for Tibetan independence.

In 1991, Ngawang Pekar was formally sentenced on charges of “criminal splittist activities.” While in prison, his punishment was further increased in 1996, when his sentence was extended by an additional six years for allegedly attempting to smuggle out a list of political prisoners.

As a result, Ngawang Pekar has been made to serve a total sentence of 14 years. He has been held in Sangyip and Drapchi Prisons, where he has remained incarcerated for his continued acts of peaceful political expression.