By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, FEB. 1: A Tibetan monk has reportedly been released from prison after over two years’ imprisonment following his solo protest in 2014 in Sershul County.
Sonam Yarphel, a monk from Mangge monastery in Kardze, was released at around 9:30 a.m. local time of Dec. 21, 2016, according to Dharamshala based Gu-Chu-Sum Movement, a former political prisoner’s group.
The 24 year old was detained back in Nov. 26, 2014 at Sershul County Detention Centre shortly after he carried out a solo protest calling for the return of exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet.
Citing exile sources, Gu Chu Sum said that Sonam’s health was good upon his release. The skepticism for such observation comes as it is common practice by Chinese authorities to release Tibetan prisoners after they suffer grave, and even irreversible health complications to avoid death in detention.
The monastery officials and his family members were made to sign some documents vouching for him, the former political prisoners’ group also said.
Solo protests are seen by experts as an increasingly viable means to protest against Chinese rule and the policies implemented inside Tibet. Due to the criminalization of self-immolations by Chinese law and the harsh punishments including imprisonment meted out to family members by Chinese authorities, more and more incidences of solo protests are emerging from inside Tibet.
Observers also believe that the Chinese government’s restriction on the assembly of Tibetans prompt solo protests, adding spontaneity to their actions without the need for premeditated planning among protestors.
