Tag: geshe sonam phuntsok

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) condemns in strongest terms the framing of Tulku Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche on weapon charges related to last year’s peaceful protests in Kardze (Ch: Ganzi). This is the first known case of senior Buddhist leader being tried in court with a serious charge linked to last year’s demonstration.

A highly revered religious figure of Kardze, Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche, 52, who headed Pangri and Ya-tseg Nunneries in Kardze was accused of ‘illegally possessing weapons’, his Beijing based lawyer Li Fangping was quoted as saying to the Associated Press (AP) in a telephone interview on Tuesday. Rinpoche could face imprisonment for up to 15 years if found guilty by the Kardze Prefecture Intermediate People’s Court. 

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Geshe Sonam Phuntsok
Geshe Sonam Phuntsok

The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) received confirmed information that, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, a former political prisoner who spent five years in prison for his religious activities and for conducting a long life prayer ceremony for the Dalai Lama in October 1999, passed away on 5 April 2008 in Kardze after a prolong battle with multiple illnesses following a lengthy imprisonment and maltreatment in the prison.

As per the earlier information received by the TCHRD, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, popularly known as Kardze Geshe, was in poor health for the long period of time since his release from Chuandong no. 3 Prison in Tazhu County in October 2004. Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, 57 year-old, was a hugely popular religious figure particularly in Kardze. Since his release from prison in October 2004, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok was put under virtual house arrest as movements outside his residence were severely restricted that Geshe has to seek official permission even for any medical treatment. His activities particularly in religious spheres were under constant surveillance from the authorities.

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Geshe Sonam Phuntsok
Geshe Sonam Phuntsok

Chinese authorities have released Geshe Sonam Phuntsok upon completion of his five years imprisonment term, according to confirmed information received by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD). Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, popularly known as Kardze Geshe, was imprisoned for his religious activities and for conducting long life prayer ceremony for the Dalai Lama in October 1999.

Early morning on 26 October 2004, Chinese Public Security Bureau (“PSB”) Officials brought Geshe in a government vehicle to his native Rongbatsang District in Kardze County, Kardze Tibet Autonomous Prefecture (“TAP”), Sichuan. He had earlier arrived in Dartsedo County on 24 October 2004 where he had undergone medical treatment after release from Chuandong no 3 Prison in Tazhu County. 

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