DHARAMSHALA, August 21: Chinese authorities have released two Tibetans from prison on completion of their sentences.
Dhamchoe Tsultrim, 42, was among several Tibetans who were arrested for their alleged involvement in self-immolation protest by Dhamchoe Sangpo on February 17, 2012. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on charges of “suspicion of involvement” in the self-immolation protest by Sangpo, a 38 year-old monk from Bongthak Ewam Tare Shedrup Dhargey Ling monastery in Tsongon, Amdo, eastern Tibet.
Sangpo set his body on fire during a prayer gathering at the monastery, where several villagers were in attendance. A teacher at the monastic school, Dhamchoe Sangpo was protesting the repressive policies of the Chinese government, including the intensification of the patriotic re-education campaign at his monastery.
Upon his arrival in his native village, Kharmang, Tsultrim received a warm welcome from local Tibetans and monks despite stern warning from authorities’ against holding in such reception.
On August 13, another Tibetan named Tsekyab from Serta County, Kardze Prefecture, was released after completing a two-year prison term. He was arrested by the authorities for allegedly distributing political literature as a member of ‘Anti-Communist Tibetan Youth Party’ in 2012.
