By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec 23: Gonpo Kyi, the sister of the imprisoned Tibetan businessman Dorjee Tashi, has reportedly been released from Chinese custody after eight days in detention, according to advocacy group Tibet Watch. Her husband Choekyong was released days ago on December 18.
However, details about her condition upon release, as well as the circumstances surrounding her detention remain unknown amidst continued surveillance of the couple.
Sources close to the family of Gonpo Kyi and her husband Choekyong have revealed a concerning development, suggesting that Chinese authorities might be considering the expulsion of the couple from Lhasa to their hometown in Labrang (known as Xiahe County in Chinese). This purported move is believed to be orchestrated by authorities in an attempt to evade further scrutiny and criticism over the high-profile case, as well as to minimise the attention and advocacy it has garnered.
Gonpo Kyi has been advocating for a retrial of her imprisoned brother, Dorjee Tashi while striving to secure visitation rights to see him. Dorjee Tashi, a prominent Tibetan entrepreneur with substantial wealth, faced arrest by Chinese authorities in the aftermath of the 2008 uprising in Lhasa. Initially accused of making suspicious donations to the exiled Tibetan community, and alleged support for the movement, Dorjee Tashi was subsequently labeled a “secessionist” by Chinese authorities. Despite the clearance of political charges against him, he was subjected to a secret trial where he was convicted of “loan fraud” in 2010 and handed a life sentence.
Following her brother’s sentence, Kyi has repeatedly campaigned and advocated for her brother’s release in front of the Lhasa People’s Court. However, her activism resulted in grave consequences as she faced physical assaults, including beatings, and intensive interrogation during her detention in a Chinese prison. Furthermore, she has allegedly been denied access to essential medical treatment despite experiencing health issues arising from the mistreatment that she endured.
The pair were awarded the prestigious ‘Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Medal of Courage’ award on July 12 in Dharamshala, honouring and acknowledging their exceptional commitment to advancing the rights of the Tibetan people.
