Since 1986 when the People’s Republic of China signed the United Nations Convention Against Torture, 52 Tibetan political prisoners are now known to have died as a result of torture by police or prison officials. The actual figure could be far more as visits to Tibet’s prisons, if permitted, are carefully directed, and information of prisoners is smuggled out of Tibet at great risk. The deaths of Pasang, a monk of just 21 years, and a 61 year old man called Rinzin, are the most recent cases received.
Pasang was a monk from Dechen Sangnak Monastery in Dechen township, Taktse county, under Lhasa City. From October to December, 1994, monks Dechen Sangnak Monastery staged a series of independence demonstrations earning it the label of a “problematic monastery.” Eleven kniwn arrest were made and prison sentences of up to six years were imposed.
On 8 December 1994, Pasang had held a short solo demonstration in Lhasa’s Barkhor market. This peaceful demonstration condemned the Chinese regime in Tibet and called for Tibet’s freedom. Pasang was immediately arrested and was later sentenced to five years imprisonment.
Soon after being taken to Drapchi Prison, Pasang required medical treatment due to beatings sustained. His condition was so serious that Pasang was permitted to leave the prison complex during the day to visit a hospital but he was required to return to the prison every evening. Prevented from receiving continuous treatment, Pasang’s health deteriorated and on December 17,1997 at around 5:30 in the afternoon, Pasang died in the “Tibet Autonomous Region” Chide (Public Welfare) Hospital.
In February 1997, a 61 year old Tibetan political prisoner died from unknown reasons in his home, one month after he was released from prison. The report was provided by a source whose identity must be provided.
Rinzin, a 61 year old man from MugrumTrehte township in Lhabrang county in Ngari Region was imprisoned in August/September 1996. “He had kept a photograph of the Dalai Lama on hiss altar long after the Chinese authorities had announced the ban on such pictures”, said the source.
He was reported to three years imprisonment, but the source reported that there was no formal trial in a court room. He was reported to look very weak and malnutrition at that time. Prior to his arrest Rinzin had minor health problems but after his arrest he suffered from tuberculosis. “No one knows what he went through in prison”, said the source. “He was kept in the prison hospital for one month after which he was released because his condition had become serious. Upon his release, he lived only one month at home. He was so sick that he could barely speak and was completely bedridden. He passed away on February 11 or 12, 199, in his bed.”
Despite China’s international obligations as a State Party to the Convention Against Torture to “take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction”, cases of intentionaly inflicted cruel and humiliating torture practices are regularly reported by Tibetan political prisoners. By failing to incorporate a definition of torture consistent with international standards, by restricting the circumstances under which cases of torture may be investigated, and by allowing the use of evidence gathered via torture methods, China’s Criminal Procedure Law ensures that torture will continue to be carried out in Chinese prisons and detention centres in Tibet and that deaths from torture will continue to occur.
Torture and ill-treatment of Tibetan political prisoners in Chinese prisons in Tibet is commonplace. Victims who have escaped into exile recall being beaten with rifle butts, sticks and metal rods, kicked with heavy boots, shocked all over the body and in various orifices with electric batons and being savaged by trained dogs.
While it is known that Pasang died on December 17, 1997, and that he had been severely beaten in detention, the extent of his injuries and the suffering to death can only be imagined. Rinzin’s death is a similar case, it is unknown exactly what caused his death or how much he suffered in the last days of his life.
The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy calls on China to actively prohibit the use of torture during interrogation and detention and to conform to the legally binding provisions of the UN Convention Against Torture. We request Chinese authorities to allow prisoners prompt and adequate access to medical care and to investigate immediately any deaths in custody or as a result of torture or ill-treatment in detention. In particular, we request Chinese authorities to investigate the deaths of Pasang and Rinzin and also to ensure that the responsible officials are held accountable.