Translated By TenGyal
Edited by Kelsang Jinpa
Due to the Chinese government’s continued failure to provide adequate medical treatment and supervision to Tibetan political prisoners, the health conditions of Tibetan writers, Gangkye Drubpa Kyab and Gang Tsering Dolma have deteriorated considerably.
According to reliable information received by Tibet Times, the Chinese government’s continued denial of medical treatment and supervision to to imprisoned Tibetan writer-activists Gangkye Drubpa Kyab and Tsering Dolma has led to severe decline in their health. Drubpa Kyab is reportedly suffering from significant memory loss, vision impairment, and worsening heart and kidney conditions. Similarly, after being subjected to brutal torture and systemic abuse without access to medical treatment, Tsering Dolma is now struggling with memory loss, heart disease, and other serious medical complications.
The source stated that due to the Chinese government’s blatant disregard of prison management regulations that mandate timely access to medical attention for prisoners, both Gangkye Drubpa Kyab and Tsering Dolma’s health has critically deteriorated. In particular, the source pointed out that the Chinese government deliberately denies medical care and facility to Tibetan political prisoners. While it was known in 2024 that Gangkye Drubpa Kyab was held in Mianyang Prison and Tsering Dolma was detained in a women’s prison in Sershul County, their current whereabouts are unknown, as the Chinese government frequently transfers prisoners who are subjects of international advocacy.
According to the same source, the Chinese government allowed Gangkye Drubpa Kyab’s family a single visit in 2024. Since then, despite repeated appeals from his family, further visits have been denied. Furthermore, even as his health was in critical condition, the authorities continued to systematically deny him access to medical care and facilities.
On March 23rd, 2021, the Serta County Police forcibly abducted and arrested Gangkye Drubpa Kyab alias Gang Metak from him residence. Following which, in 2022, the Chinese government sentenced him to 14 years in prison on charges of “inciting separatism” and “endangering national security.”
Earlier, on the evening of February 15th, 2012, the Serta County Police abruptly arrested him from his residence. At the time, he was working as a teacher at a private school founded by Khenpo Tsultrim Lodroe in Drakgo County, Kham.
On August 1st, 2013, the so called Nyakchu County People’s Court sentenced him to five years in prison on the alleged charges of “ engaging in Tibetan activism” and “ establishing a new ‘anti- communist organisation’.” Even as he was released on September 16th, 2016, he was arrested again the following day and detained for 17 days at the Serta County Police Station, after being accused of “ placing a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his head” and “ displaying inappropriate attitude and behavior.” The primary reasons for his arrest and imprisonment were the publication of personal books and newsletters reflecting the fate and condition of his people—such as The Distant Call of Destiny, The Pain of Time, Today’s Tears, Colors of the Years, the White Khatag journal, and The Red Blood-Scribe of the 2008 Earth Mouse Year—as well as his founding of the “Anti-Red Resistance Party.” Accused of these political “crimes” and his extensive work for the cause of Tibet’s religion and state, he was imprisoned for 5 years. Gangkye Drubpa Kyab was born on August 6th, 1981 in Gephen Village, Ragtam Township, Serta County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He is the son of Thupten Nyima and Wangthang Dolma. Drupba and his wife, Wangchuk Lhamo has a 22-year old daughter, Mewang Kyi and a 19 year old son Gang Tsenpo.
Tsering Dolma was forcibly arrested by Sershul County police on April 2, 2021. Previously, during the peaceful 2008 protests in Serta, she was arrested alongside her father, Solo, and has been detained several times since. Each time, for showing an “uncooperative attitude and behaviour” toward the Chinese police, she was imprisoned and beaten in detention centers and prisons for many months. Although eventually released, the severe beatings she endured in prison broke her hip bone; consequently, she suffers intense leg pain during weather changes, partial paralysis, memory loss, and heart problems, leaving her with severe physical and mental injuries. Born in 1997 in Kangtsa Village, Taktse Township, Serta County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, her father’s name is Solo and her mother’s is Tsokyi. She and her husband, Karma Wangchuk, have two sons.
