By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, May 26: China has released a Tibetan political prisoner named Younten on May 22 this year, before completion of his full sentence on May 22, three years before the completion of his sentence.
Younten was arrested for his participation in the 2008 nationwide protests in Tibet and sentenced to nine years in prison. He has returned to his hometown where he was accorded a warm welcome by his family members and fellow villagers with khata, Tibetan wellwishing scarves.
The reason for his early release and current health condition is not known. China has released a number of Tibetan political prisoners before completion of their prison terms due to their deteriorating health and fear over death in custody.
Since 2009, 131 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet protesting against China’s occupation of Tibet and its hard-line policies.
