Four Tibetans, Gelo, Tsedu, Bamo and Khore from Awikyil Rigo village, Khekor Township, Serta County, Tibet were sentenced to two years imprisonment each and are currently serving in Yak-Nga prison.
On 24th August 2022, the Chinese authorities arrested Shukdar, Gelo, Tsedu, Bamo and Khore on alleged charges of conducting religious activities such as smoke offering to the mountain deities and prayer offering. Subsequently, they were forcibly taken away to the prison of Karze county from Serta. Shukdar was killed by severe beatings. In July of this year, other four Tibetans were released, but later, around September, they were arrested again and sentenced to two years imprisonment.
A concerned Tibetan told Tibet Times, “Following this incident, the other four were kept in detention for a while and then released to their residences. However, just months before, they were arrested again. The reason for the second arrest is unknown.”
Another concerned Tibetan told Tibet Times, “They were released in this summer, but in September, they were arrested again and sentenced to two years and currently they are serving the imprisonment in Yak-Nga prison. For Gelo, Tsedu and Bamo, they have to serve in prison for one year and six months, since their previous six months in prison was considered in the two-year sentence. But for Khore, he has to serve the two years sentence fully, because his previous six months in the prison were disregarded.”
Five Tibetans, Shukdar, Gelo, Tsedu, Bamo and Khore are appointed by the people of Khekor township and they usually arrange religious activities. They are known as Five Good People for their good character, altruism and kind heart. Shukdar, who had been killed by the Chinese authorities is 52 years old. His father, Thubwo is 71 and mother 75. He has children with his wife.
