DHARAMSHALA, Nvember 19: A Tibetan monk arrested in 2008 during the nationwide protests across Tibet has been released two years before his scheduled end of prison term.
Lobsang Palden, a monk of Bheru Monastery in Serkhar village in Kardze, took part in protests at Kardze town demanding the “return of the exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama to Tibet” and “freedom in Tibet.” He was arrested and kept in detention for about six months before being sentenced by the Kardze County Intermediate People’s Court to nine years in prison.
A former Tibetan political prisoner based here said he heard about Lobsang from reliable sources from his native village. “His family seems worried about Lobsang being physically weakened due to poor food in prison and heavy labor for many years. He might also have been tortured.”
The same source said his release ahead of time was prompted by his sincere dedication while performing his duties as an inmate.
Earlier this year, a Tibetan prisoner released ahead of time died at his home raising concerns for Tibetans who were released prior to their sentence period.
