Authorities in China’ssouthwestern Sichuanprovince have detained 14 nuns for protesting despite a massive securitypresence and handed jail terms to seven others for joining widespread demonstrationsin March, Tibetan sources say.
The 14 nuns from nunneries in Kardze [in Chinese,Ganzi] demonstrated May 11-12 in a central area of Kardze, near the localtelevision station, witnesses said.
They were protesting the detention of two nuns fromDrakar nunnery—Bumo Lhaga, 32, and Sonam Dekyi, 30—who were detained April 23for calling for the return of Tibet’sexiled leader, the Dalai Lama.
Sources identified the 14 nuns as Sey Lhamo, 36;Thubten Drolma, 40; Ani Taga, 36; Lhawang Chokyi, 41; Yangkyi, 28; Gyayul Seyang; Gyayul Thinley; GyayulShachotso Bodze; Tamdin Tsekyi; Seshuktin Tamdin Tsekyi; Seshuktin Dekyi, 29;Bendetsang Yangchen; and two others whose names weren’t immediately available.
“They protested in support of those two nuns whoprotested April 23 and were detained. These nuns shouted for the independenceof Tibet, and for the long life and return of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama,” one source said. “They protested right at the centerof Kardze town, close to the local TV station.”
“Chinese security forces rounded them up and beatthem. They severely assaulted one of the nuns, Taga, by striking her headagainst the pavement. She was bleeding profusely. Bloodstains were found on thepavement where the nuns were detained and beaten up.”
Tensions remain high in Kardze, sources said, witharmed security forces and paramilitary People’s Armed Police still on patrol,nearly two months after a widespread uprising against Chinese rule in heavilyTibetan areas of China.
Sources said all 14 nuns are believed to be held atKardze prison.
Jailterms handed down
Other Tibetan sources meanwhile said seven nuns andone layperson were sentenced to prison April 29 for protesting in Chori, Draggo[in Chinese, Luhuo] county, Kardze, in March.
Of some 200 people taken into custody in Kardzebeginning March 24, the sources said, 20 remain in detention. “Among thosedetained, 93 were nuns and the rest were monks and laypersons,” one sourcesaid.
On April 29, the source said, authorities announcedthe sentencing of four nuns to seven-year jail terms: Khandro Lhamo, 32;Khagongtsang Choedron, 43; Drolma Yangtso, 23; and Wangmo, 29.
Three other nuns were sentenced to three-year jailterms: Yibu, 22; Drolyang, 42; and Sonam Choedron, 28. Kalsang Dorje, a layperson,39, was handed a three-year term, the sources said.
An official at the Luhuo county People’s Courtdeclined to discuss the trials. Asked if trials had occurred, he replied, “Idon’t know… You just don’t ask questions about the trial.”
Crackdownafter protests
Chinese authorities have made numerous arrests andlaunched a “patriotic education” campaign aimed at Tibetans in the wake ofrioting that began in Lhasa in mid-March and then spread to other Tibetan areas.
Beijingsays 22 people were killed in the rioting. Tibetan sources say scores of peoplewere killed when Chinese paramilitary and police opened fire on crowds ofdemonstrators.
Chinese authorities have blamed the Dalai Lama forinstigating the protests and fomenting a Tibetan independence movement. TheDalai Lama rejects the accusation, saying he wants only autonomy and humanrights for Tibetans.
Originalreporting by RFA's Mandarin and Tibetan services. Mandarin service director:Jennifer Chou. Tibetan service director: Jigme Ngapo. Translated by Jia Yuan and Karma Dorjee. Written and produced in English by Sarah Jackson-Han.