Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Sep. 4: In yet another case of death in detention, prominent Tibetan religious leader Tulku Palden Wangyal, also known as Chogyal Tulku, died in a Chinese prison on July 19 following years of imprisonment and reported torture, according to a report by Bod Asia, the Tibetan-language news outlet of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Tulku Palden Wangyal, approximately 53 years old, was the head of Chogyal Monastery, serving the villages of Wo-tod, Gardap, Nyakle, and Zhungkor in the Kham Go-jo Pa Chuzer region. He was known for his efforts to preserve Tibetan culture and identity, urging local communities to maintain harmony and not abandon their ethnic roots. His popularity among Tibetans reportedly drew the scrutiny of Chinese authorities, who viewed his teachings as a challenge to state control.
He was arrested more than seven years ago and initially imprisoned in Go-jo County. Over time, he was transferred to prisons in Chamdo, Lhasa, and later Gansu Province. Sources report that with each transfer, conditions worsened and he was subjected to repeated torture. Despite appeals for his release, Chinese authorities barred all meetings with him and refused to respond to petitions.
On July 19, 2025, Tulku Palden Wangyal died inside the prison in Gansu. His death has caused deep grief among monasteries and communities in the Kham region, where he was widely respected. Monasteries linked to him reportedly continue to face restrictions and harassment from Chinese authorities.
Human rights organisations and the Tibetan government-in-exile have consistently condemned the Chinese government for suppressing religious freedom, curbing movement and speech, and imprisoning religious leaders (Tulkus), intellectuals, cultural figures, and environmental activists on fabricated political charges. Numerous detainees have died in custody or soon after release as a result of mistreatment and torture.
Tulku Palden Wangyal’s death adds to a growing list of Tibetan religious and cultural figures who have perished under Chinese detention, fuelling further concern over ongoing repression in Tibet.
