Lamrimpa Ngawang Phuntsok (1922–1997) was a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master and teacher. He joined Drepung Monastery at the age of 22. Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, he was arbitrarily arrested in 1959 without any known legal basis and detained until 1961. During his imprisonment, he was subjected to severe torture and was released in critically deteriorated health. Despite the lasting effects of his detention, he remained an influential Buddhist scholar and teacher until his death on 28 May 1997 at the age of 75.

Asam, born in 1939, is a farmer from Markham, Tibet. He was arbitrarily arrested on 6 January 1961 for resisting the Chinese invasion of Tibet. He was denied due process and sentenced to life imprisonment without a fair trial. During his detention, he was subjected to torture and forced labour. After spending decades in custody, he was eventually released and escaped to India on 13 April 1988.

Dega Trogawa (also known as Dega Troga), born around 1932, was a Tibetan from Shigatse who was first arrested by Chinese authorities in 1959 following the occupation of Tibet. He was imprisoned for 21 years under harsh conditions before being released in 1980. After his release, he became involved in a confrontation with police during the Panchen Lama's visit to Gyantse in 1982, when he attempted to protect civilians from a violent police crackdown, prompting him to flee into exile in India.

Having lived in exile since 1982, Dega returned to Tibet in October 1990 on a Chinese visa to visit his son. He was placed under constant surveillance from the moment he entered Tibet. On 12 December 1990, while returning to India, he was rearrested by Chinese police near Shigatse, who confiscated his travel documents, searched his belongings, and subjected him to interrogation before transferring him to detention. Reports indicated that he was subsequently held in Tsang Prison.

Draglha, a 37-year-old Tibetan from Tsangpa, was arrested by the Chinese authorities and subsequently sentenced to imprisonment in Meldro Gongkar Prison. The circumstances surrounding his arrest, the charges against him, and the length of his prison term remain unavailable. Owing to the limited information, further details regarding his detention and treatment in custody could not be verified.

Ngawang Woeser (born 1970), a monk from Drepung Monastery and native of Dranang County, Lhoka Region, was actively involved in the Tibetan pro-independence movement. In 1988, he co-founded a clandestine ten-member organisation known as the Organisation of Ten, which disseminated speeches by the Dalai Lama, Tibetan human rights literature, and a proposed democratic constitution for Tibet. He also participated in the landmark peaceful demonstration by Drepung monks in Lhasa on 27 September 1987.

Following the 1987 protest, Ngawang Woeser was detained at Gutsa Detention Centre and Sangyip Prison for approximately four months, where he underwent repeated interrogations before being released on 21 January 1988. Despite being expelled from Drepung Monastery, he continued his political activities and remained a leading member of the Organisation of Ten.

On 16 April 1989, Chinese authorities rearrested Ngawang Woeser after uncovering the organisation's activities. He was held in Sangyip Prison for nearly one year and subjected to prolonged abusive interrogations. On 30 November 1989, the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court sentenced him to 17 years' imprisonment on charges including "counter-revolutionary activities," "incitement of pro-independence activities," and "leaking state secrets." He was transferred to Drapchi Prison on 15 January 1990, where he was reportedly forced to undergo "Reform Through Labour" and political re-education. Reports from former fellow prisoners indicated that his health significantly deteriorated during his imprisonment.

Sog Shabdrung, a Tibetan political prisoner, was imprisoned in Nagchu, Drachen District in 1969 during the Chinese government's campaign of political repression. He was reportedly held with approximately 5,000 other prisoners in a newly built prison, where 18 prisoners were confined in a one-square-metre cell without windows for up to four months. Prisoners were subsequently exposed to direct sunlight after prolonged confinement, causing severe eye damage; at least two elderly inmates reportedly became blind as a result.

Sog Shabdrung also reported that conditions in prisons in Sog District were similarly harsh, with around 2,000 prisoners receiving only cold water and being denied access to hot water. His testimony describes systematic overcrowding, inhumane detention conditions, and the mistreatment of Tibetan prisoners during this period.

Tenzin, a 55-year-old resident of the Drapchi neighbourhood in Lhasa, worked on the restoration of Sera Monastery's Tsangpa House after 1986. He made pilgrimage visits to India in 1985 and 1993. He was first arrested in 1988 and reportedly detained in Gutsa prison, Lhasa for one year. Following his return from India, he was arrested again on 12 July 1995. The reasons for his second arrest, the charges brought against him, his place of detention, and his subsequent whereabouts remain unknown based on the available information.

Tashi Lhamo, a Tibetan woman, was arrested on 1 October for her participation in a peaceful protest in Lhasa. While in detention, she reportedly undertook an 11-day hunger strike to protest her imprisonment and treatment. According to available reports, she was subsequently subjected to severe police beatings that resulted in the dislocation of multiple joints. At the time of reporting, she had not been released, and there were widespread fears among Tibetans in Lhasa that she had died in custody. No further information regarding her legal status or fate was available.

Pasang, a 31-year-old nun from a small nunnery in the Tagtse area, was arrested on 1 October 1989 for taking part in a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa. Along with five other nuns, she marched around Barkhor carrying the Tibetan national flag and distributed pro-independence leaflets. She was detained the same night and imprisoned in Lhasa Prison No. 1, where she received a seven-year prison sentence. While in custody, she reportedly endured overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, repeated torture—including beatings and electric shocks—and severe restrictions on family visits and religious practice. She was released on 10 July 1996 after serving her full sentence.

Dawa Choedon, a 21-year-old nun from a small nunnery in the Tagtse area, was arrested on 1 October 1989 after participating in a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa. She marched around Barkhor carrying the Tibetan national flag and distributed leaflets advocating a free Tibet. She was detained the same night and transferred to Lhasa Prison No. 1, where she was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. During detention, she was reportedly held in harsh conditions, subjected to beatings, electric shocks, prolonged interrogations, and inadequate food and sanitation. She was released on 10 July 1996 after completing her sentence.

Lama Tenzin Choenge, a monk of Tagtse Monastery in Amdo, was arrested following a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa on 27 December 1993, during which monks marched through Barkhor calling for Tibetan freedom and carrying Tibetan national flags. Chinese authorities identified him through photographs taken at the protest and arrested him in his home village near Lhasa. He was reportedly sentenced to five years' imprisonment, while two fellow monks received 13-yearand eight-year prison terms. During detention, Tenzin Choenge was reportedly subjected to severe beatings, electric shocks, and other forms of torture, and was provided only inadequate food. Family visits were heavily restricted, with relatives permitted to deliver food and clothing only once a month.

Tagtsang Lhamo, a monk of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba (Aba), Amdo, was reportedly arrested around late 1989 or early 1990 after Chinese authorities accused him of putting up numerous political posters in Zoigê and Luchu counties. The posters called on Tibetans to unite in pursuit of their national aspirations and contained sharp criticism of senior Chinese leaders, including Deng Xiaoping and Li Peng. Chinese authorities characterized the posters as "separatist" propaganda and reportedly declared that the person responsible would face execution upon capture. Although available reports indicate that Tagtsang Lhamo was arrested in connection with the posters, no further information regarding his detention, trial, sentence, or subsequent fate has been made public.

Tamdin Sithar, a 46-year-old Tibetan, was re-arrested on 26 August 1983 after authorities allegedly found him in possession of a statement by the Dalai Lama commemorating the 24th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising. He was reportedly tried by the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court in 1984 and sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment. Although the exact charges remain unknown, they reportedly included allegations of counter-revolutionary activities or espionage. He was detained in Drapchi Prison, Lhasa, and was adopted by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience.

Tamdin had previously been detained without trial from 1971 to 1975 for his alleged involvement in a pro-independence youth group. Following his release, he was placed under supervision in a labour brigade near Lhasa before being re-arrested in 1983.

Tamdin Jamyang, a 22-year-old monk from Tashi Gomang Monastery in Amdo, participated in a peaceful protest in Lhasa on 2 February 1990. Fearing arrest and persecution by the Chinese authorities following the demonstration, he fled to his hometown on 10 May 1990 before escaping to exile in India. His case reflects the risks faced by Tibetan monks for participating in peaceful political expression.

Tenzin Tsedup, a 16-year-old former monk from Taktse Phagmo Monastery, Taktse County, was arrested on 18 August 1993 after participating in a peaceful pro-independence demonstration during the Drepung Shoton Festival in Norbulingka, Lhasa, alongside Tseten Ngodup (19) and Pasang (23). The three displayed the Tibetan national flag, distributed independence leaflets, and shouted slogans supporting Tibetan independence and the Dalai Lama. They were detained by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and taken to Gutsa Detention Centre, where Tenzin was reportedly beaten unconscious, kicked in the chest, and subjected to interrogation. On 14 September 1993, he was sentenced to one year of imprisonment, while his co-defendants received longer sentences. He was released on 18 August 1994 but was prohibited from rejoining any monastery.

In 1998, he was arrested during an attempted escape to India and detained for approximately one month in Shigatse Detention Centre before being released. He successfully escaped to India in August 1998.

Ven. Thupten Tsering, a 61-year-old Tibetan monk from Nagchu, was arrested in the third week of November 1987 after Public Security Bureau officers reportedly took him from his home at 2:00 a.m. and transferred him to Gutsa Prison, Lhasa. He was subsequently transferred to Drapchi prison, No visitors were reportedly allowed to see him after his detention.

This was his third imprisonment. He had previously been imprisoned from 1959 to 1961, and was arrested again in 1965in Gyantse while attempting to flee to India, for which he remained imprisoned until 1970. After his release, he was assigned to a state-controlled Work Group, where his movement was reportedly restricted and monitored.

The stated reason for his 1987 arrest was his association with foreigners, including contact with his brother, Geyshe Sherab Gyatso (Lobsang Sherab) of the Tushita Dharma Center in Italy, and an Italian visitor, Dr. Dallari Stefano, whom he had accompanied and hosted during their visit to Tibet.

Thubten Kelsang Thalutsogentsang, a 43-year-old former Tibetan monk and horse-cart driver, was first detained following the 1959 Tibetan uprising and reportedly imprisoned in Sangyib Prison, Lhasa, where he was assigned to a labour unit and remained under official surveillance after his release. On 3 December 1981, he was re-arrested in Lhasa for allegedly shouting pro-independence slogans in support of Tibetan independence during a public gathering. He was reportedly sentenced to three years' imprisonment. No reliable information is available regarding his treatment, release, or current whereabouts following his arrest.

Tsongon Tsering, a 29-year-old Tibetan, was detained in October 2024 after he posted a video registering a complaint about large-scale sand and gravel mining along the river in Tsaruma village, which is the source of Asia’s two largest rivers, the Yangtze and the Yellow River.

On 14 October, Tsering posted a five-minute video openly filing a “real-name complaint” to draw attention to the mining operations conducted by Anhui Xianhe Construction Engineering Company, allegedly under the guise of road construction work. Tsering was initially called to the county office along with his family members and villagers after his video went viral. He was permitted to return home briefly before being summoned again and subsequently detained. Sources indicate he is now being held in Kyungchu County prison.

Wangkyi, aged 43 and Tsering Tashi, aged 41, are members of the Haritsang family in Rongkharsar town in Ngaba County. They belong to a family of eight siblings. Wangkyi is married to Sonam Tsering, and they have four daughters. According to our sources, reports suggest that the members of the Haritsang family have been arrested due to maintaining contacts in India, though specific details are scarce. Recently, repression in the Ngaba region has intensified, with increased restrictions particularly aimed at Kirti Monastery and nearby villages.

A Tibetan community leader and his nephew were arrested and taken into custody for defying Chinese authorities by advising local Tibetans not to sign away their rights to grazing land.

Choegyal and Yonten were detained after they distributed leaflets in front of a police station in Wonpo township.

They were arbitrarily arrested on 21 November 2019, at around 2:30 pm, after shouting for Tibet's independence and distributing Tibetan independence documents in front of the Wonpo township police station.

On 1 March 2024, Choegyal and Yonten were released. Subsequently, the fathers of Choegyal and Yonten were summoned by the Wonpo township government to make promises and responsibilities before being released by the police officers at their respective homes later that evening.

The local people welcomed them without much visible gesture. Both Choegyal and Yonten are released in poor health.

Detained in 2019.

They were arrested in 2019 after their failed attempt to block construction of a slaughterhouse and their demand for compensation” for Tibetans whose land has been taken for the project.

Detained in February 2021.

University student Sangay Tso was arrested along with two other Tibetans, Dadul and Kansi (a nickname) in Kyegudo, Yushul Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, on 17 February 2021, a week after Tibetan New Year. While no official reason was given at the time of their arrest and release, it seems that the three youths were arrested for failure to register their WeChat group with local authorities

Zamkar, Kelsang Dolma, Dechen and Delha are in their 20s and residents of Dartsedo (Ch: Kangding), Kardze Tibet Autonomous Prefecture.

They were detained on 5 December 2022 and are now being held somewhere in Kardze TAP. They were detained for protesting against strict Covid Lockdowns in Sichuan province. The four women had worked at a Chinese-owned restaurant in Chengdu before their arrest and they also wrote a letter to their employer stating they did not receive their salary during the lockdown.

Their whereabouts remain unknown but it is reported that they are being given political re-education sessions by the Chinese government.

On 1 January 2023, Tseta (46) and Dhonkho (26) from Gyalthang (Ch: Xiānggélǐlā) County, Yunan province were detained by the local police authorities from Dolma Guest House in Gyalthang County.

Three days after their detention, the family members were summoned to the local police station and their mobile phones were searched. The police also inquired about the sources of income for their family.

Tseta and Dhonkho were in Gyalthang County to shop for groceries and decided to stay at Dolma's guest house for the night when they were detained.

It is suspected that the duo might be charged with false accusations of illegal deforestation and smuggling of wood in the region.

Detained in 2019.

They were arrested in 2019 after their failed attempt to block construction of a slaughterhouse and their demand for compensation” for Tibetans whose land has been taken for the project.

Lhundup Dorjee, Sonam Rinchen, Sonam Dorjee and Kunchok Lodoe disrupted a political reeducation meeting but shouting independence slogans. They were sentenced to 13 years imprisonment and four years of deprivation of civil and political rights.

Ngawang Sangdrol was released in October 2002 from Drapchi Prison in Lhasa nine years before the completion of her sentence. The young nun was serving the longest sentence of any female political prisoner in Tibet before being released on good behaviour parole. Belongs to Garu Nunnery