Translated by Tashi Namgyal
Edited by Yangchen Tso
Lhakdor, a Tibetan man from Pelyul County, Tibet, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on charges of spreading rumors about Tibetan independence. Over seven years have passed since his sentence.
In July 2016, Lhakdor was arrested by airport police while he traveled to Lhasa. He was charged for being in posession of a mobile phone with messages and video clips about Tibetan independence and spreading rumors. Later, the People’s Court of Pelyul County summoned his family members and informed that he had been sentenced to 11 years in prison.
A concerned Tibetan told Tibet Times, “There could be numerous and unjust reasons for his arrest as he often travels to Lhasa and other places to conduct business. He has a strong love for Tibet.”
The source added, “His family members were allowed once to visit Lhakdor since his arrest. Currently, we don’t have a clue about where he has been imprisoned or his physical and mental condition. Despite appeals made repeatedly to visit Lhakdor, the Chinese authorities have rejected them with various excuses.”
Lhakdor hails from Shangsang Village, Pelyul County, Karze, Tibet. He worked there in the industry of Hor Incense Handicraft. His parents and a 23 year old sister remain in the village.
