Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 27: Gonmo Kyi, sister of imprisoned Tibetan businessman Dorjee Tashi, detailed her ongoing struggle for justice and the brutal treatment she has faced at the hands of Chinese authorities in a video released on September 24.
Gonmo Kyi has been persistently protesting in front of Lhasa courts, demanding a retrial for her brother who is serving a life sentence on contested charges of alleged loan fraud. Her peaceful demonstrations have been met with repeated detentions and beatings by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers, severely impacting her health.
In the latest video obtained by Tibet Watch, Gonmo Kyi stated, “I have petitioned the Lhasa Court to retry Dorjee Tashi’s case in accordance with the law of the State, but they have refused to address it. The Public Security Bureau repeatedly detained me, dragged me, and beat me. So, presently, I’m in ill health, afflicted by these repeated beatings.” She further stated, ”I will continue to protest and petition unless and until the Lhasa Court addresses this appeal.”
On July 27, the Court of Chengguan District in Lhasa dismissed Gonmo Kyi’s appeal against her treatment by PSB officials. Court documents obtained by Tibet Watch reveal that authorities justified their actions by claiming Gonmo Kyi’s protests “constitute breaking of the social rules and laws of the state.”
Gonmo Kyi was severely beaten in April by the Chinese authorities and denied hospital treatments , one of several instances of ill-treatment or threats. In December 2023, she was held in detention for eight days.
Dorjee Tashi, a former hotelier and philanthropist, was arrested in 2008 and later sentenced to life imprisonment on loan fraud charges, which his family vehemently contests. Reports suggest he was subjected to torture and detention in 2010. Since 2019, family members have been denied in-person visits.
International human rights organizations have raised concerns about Dorjee Tashi’s case, noting that while China’s constitution includes provisions for the rule of law, the Chinese Communist Party has been accused of interfering in legal cases under the pretext of national security and social stability. These organizations have called on the Chinese government to implement international human rights treaties, ensure fair trials, end forced confessions, and release Tibetans detained for peacefully advocating for their rights.
