DHARAMSHALA, October 23: A court in Khyunchu County in Ngaba region of Amdo has sentenced three Tibetans up to five years in prison on charges of “murder” for their alleged involvement in self-immolation protests in the region.
The three Tibetans were identified as Gurgyon, Norbu Dorjee and Sonam Yarphel.
According to Lhamo Kyab, a Tibetan living in exile with close contact in the region, the three Tibetans were arrested for their involvement in obstructing the Chinese officials in putting off the fire on Tibetan self-immolator Tsering Phuntsok.
In July, a court in Khyungchu County sentenced Gurgyon and Sonam Yarphel to four years in prison and Norbu Dorjee to five years in prison, said Kyab. The three Tibetans are currently serving their prison term in Miyang Prison.
On January 18, Tsering Phuntsok, also known as Dupchog, set himself on fire in front of the local Chinese police station in Drachen village of Khyungchu region. He passed away at the site of his protest.
Since 2009, 122 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet calling for freedom in Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.
