In a bold move, Gonpo Kyi and her husband Choekyong have taken legal action against the police for their treatment in December 2023. The couple, who were detained and beaten after a peaceful protest, are now seeking justice through the courts, as reported by Free Tibet.
Gonpo Kyi has been a familiar figure outside the Higher People’s Court in Lhasa for over a year, demanding a retrial for her brother, Dorjee Tashi, a businessman currently serving a life sentence. Her protests, often conducted alone or with her husband, aim to challenge the charges against her brother and advocate for his rights.
The situation escalated on December 12, when Gonpo Kyi and Choekyong were arrested during a sit-in outside the court. They were demanding the right to visit Dorjee Tashi, a promise Gonpo Kyi claims was made to her. Their treatment by the police has sparked outrage, leading to an international campaign for Gonpo Kyi’s release after she spent a week in detention.
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The lawsuit filed by the couple in the Chengguan District People’s Court of Lhasa City accuses the police of arbitrary detention, beatings, and denying Gonpo Kyi hospital access for her injuries. Sources close to Tibet Watch reveal that the couple’s fight for justice is hampered by “repressive censorship and vigilant supervision by the Chinese government,” making it difficult to obtain full details of the court proceedings.
Dorjee Tashi’s case remains a contentious issue. Arrested in 2008, he was initially targeted with political charges, which failed, leading to his conviction for loan fraud—a charge his family vehemently denies.
The refusal by Lhasa city police and the court to allow Gonpo Kyi and Choekyong to see Dorjee Tashi or to secure a fair trial underscores the broader issues of legal rights and censorship in the region. As the couple continues their legal battle, their story highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in Tibet.
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