PROFILES IN COURAGE: DAY 39 – JANUARY 31ST

Lhakpa Tsering (1970-1990)
Student and pro-independence organizer

Born near Lhasa, Lhakpa Tsering attended Lhasa Sharchok school. On November 5th, 1989 he was arrested and charged with being a member of the banned “Snow Lion Youth Organization”, which advocated for Tibetan freedom and political rights. He was also accused with printing the Tibetan flag and distributing pro-independence posters.

Lhakpa Tsering was sentenced to 3 years in prison and sent to Gutsa Detention Centre where he was brutally beaten and tortured. He was then transferred to Drapchi prison, where he was singled out by prison authorities for displaying patriotic feelings.

As a result of the abuse he faced, he was unable stand upright, had difficulty walking, and was in constant abdominal pain. Fellow inmates tried to help him by providing traditional Tibetan medicine but his health remained in poor condition.

In December 1990, in anticipation of a visit by a foreign delegation to Drapchi Prison, the prisoners were strictly instructed to tell the visitors that Tibet had never been independent and had always been a part of China. Lhakpa Tsering boldly refused to accept these statements, and was subsequently subjected to further interrogation and torture.

On December 13, he was transferred to the hospital, however he was not properly examined and discharged. That night his condition deteriorated even further and he died in transit on December 15, 1990. He was 20 years old.

Lhakpa Tsering became the symbol of resistance in Drapchi prison. In a moving gesture of sadness and solidarity, prisoners staged a silent protest to mark his death. Pieces of his prison quilt were used to make protest flags and his quilt cover was used as a banner by prisoners sent outside on labor duty.

Like so many young Tibetans, Lhakpa Tsering was killed because he would refused to bend to the authority of his oppressors. We honor his memory and his unwavering commitment to the freedom of his people.