14. Nov 2006
Monk sentenced to five years for distributing political pamphlets
TCHRD reports that Gyaltsen Namdak (also known as Dawa), a 24-year old monk in Sera monastery in Tibet, was sentenced to a five-year prison term for distributing pamphlets containing political material. In May 2006, the residential monastery police arrested Gyaltsen for alleged distribution of pamphlets containing explicit political views. Following his arrest, he was detained at the Gutsa Detention Centre until the court pronounced its verdict in October 2006. The Lhasa People’s Intermediate Court sentenced him to five years on charges of "endangering state security". He is currently imprisoned at Chushul prison. Gyaltsen Namthak was born in Namling (Chin: Nanmulin Xian) county, Shigatse (Chin: Xigaze) prefecture. TCHRD also reports that security in Sera monastery has recently been stepped up with an increase in the number of police in residence in the monastery. Additionally, the People’s Armed Police monitor the monastery at night.