By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, December 9: A Tibetan woman had been secretly released on the night of November 18 on completion of her three year sentence in Sangchu County.
According to the Voice of Tibet, Yangmo Kyi, a 45 year old Tibetan woman was to be received by her relatives and fellow villagers but Chinese authorities thwarted the planned reception by releasing her around midnight.
A Tibetan source told VOT that Yangmo’s friends and family could not accord her proper welcome. However, fellow villagers visited her at her residence to wish her with ceremonial scarfs (Khata).
“The Chinese authorities have forbidden them from sending the news of her release and photos outside Tibet. She is also not allowed to use cellphones for the next three months,” the source said.
Yangmo Kyi was sentenced in connection with the self-immolation protest of Dorjee Rinchen, 57, who set himself on fire in Sangchu region of eastern Tibet on October 23, 2012.
Yangmo Kyi was sentenced on January 30, 2012 along with five other accused who received jail term up to 12 years for their alleged roles in trying to rescue Dorjee’s body from falling into the hands of Chinese officials.
Yangmo Kyi was convicted of ‘picking quarrels and provoking troubles’ with the Chinese official.
Since 2009, 143 Tibetans have resorted to self immolation as a form of protest against the Beijing rule.
