Dharamsala, November 18 – A Chinese court in Tibet’s Lhoka region has sentenced two Tibetan businessmen to varying prison terms, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights based here said in a press release Thursday.
The Lhoka Intermediate People’s Court announced the verdict on Sonam Bhagdro, who received 15 years imprisonment and Tashi Topgyal, who was sent behind bars for 5 years.
The Lhoka Public Security Bureau (PSB) arrested the two in August 2009 on suspicions of their involvement in political activities. Until the hearing, there was no information about their whereabouts and physical condition since their arrest.
Sonam Bhagdro was born in 1965 in Jhorya Township, Tsona County. After completing his Middle School, he joined the Communist Party of the County. He earned the love and respect of the community by helping in the education of children, contributing to medical expenses and expenses of the county monastery. “He was an exemplary businessman in the county loved by the people,” said the press release. His philanthropy was recognized by the county with the ‘Exemplary Citizen of the County’ award.
30-year-old Tashi Topgyal was also born in Jhorya Township, Tsona County. He is also a businessman and lived with his wife and child.
