Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, April 21: Two Tibetan writers, Gangkye Drubpa Kyab and Tsering Dolma, are reportedly in critical health due to inadequate and delayed medical treatment while in Chinese custody, raising serious concerns over violations of prison regulations that mandate proper healthcare for detainees. The information was reported by the Dharamshala-based Tibetan media outlet Tibet Times.
Gangkye Drubpa Kyab is said to be suffering from severe memory loss, partial blindness, and deteriorating heart and kidney conditions. Despite the gravity of his health issues, sources say that he has not received the necessary medical attention. His family was reportedly allowed a single visit in 2024, but subsequent requests for further meetings have been denied.
Similarly troubling reports have emerged regarding Tsering Dolma, who is believed to have endured severe beatings and mistreatment during her detention. In one instance, the abuse reportedly resulted in a broken hip, leading to long-term physical complications. She continues to experience chronic pain, particularly aggravated by changes in weather, alongside memory impairment and heart-related ailments. Her condition is said to have significantly worsened due to the lack of adequate medical care in detention.
Drubpa Kyab, a prominent Tibetan writer, was rearrested on March 23, 2021, in Serta County, where he was taken from his home by police. In 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison on charges of “inciting separatism” and “endangering state security.” He is believed to have been held at Mianyang Prison, although his current whereabouts remain unknown, reportedly due to frequent transfers of prisoners by Chinese authorities, particularly in cases attracting international scrutiny.
His earlier detention dates back to February 15, 2012, when he was arrested at his residence while working as a teacher at a private school founded by Khenpo Tsultrim Lodoe in Drakgo, Kham. In August 2013, he was sentenced to five years in prison by the Nyagchu County People’s Court on allegations related to Tibetan activism and founding an organization described as the “Red Resistance Group.” Although he was released in September 2016, he was detained the following day again for 17 days over accusations of possessing and showing reverence toward a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Authorities have reportedly cited his writings and publications as grounds for his repeated arrests. His works—including Calls from Afar, The Pain of the Times, Tears of Today, Colors of the Years, White Scarf, and The Red Blood of 2008—explore themes of Tibetan identity and the socio-political realities faced by Tibetans. He has also been accused of founding the “Red Resistance Front” and engaging in activities perceived as supportive of Tibetan religious and political causes.
Tsering Dolma was arrested on April 2, 2021, in Sershul County. The report stated that she has faced repeated detentions since her initial arrest in 2008, when she took part in peaceful protests in Serta alongside her father.
In addition to alleged physical abuse, she is believed to have been subjected to prolonged detention and harsh punitive measures on multiple occasions, often under accusations of displaying “improper conduct” toward authorities. Her case, alongside that of Drubpa Kyab, underscores growing concerns over the treatment of Tibetan detainees and the denial of basic medical rights in custody.
