Kunchok Lodoe, a dedicated Tibetan activist and former political prisoner, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 54, according to reports from Radio Free Asia. His untimely death on December 11 came as a shock to his friends and fellow activists, as he was known to be in good health prior to his passing.
Lodoe, a resident of Meldrogunkar county near Lhasa, was first arrested in 1992 for his involvement in a protest against the Chinese government. This demonstration, which included the unfurling of the Tibetan flag and chanting slogans like ‘Long live the Dalai Lama,’ ‘Free Tibet,’ and opposition to China’s one-child policy, led to his arrest along with four other Tibetans. The protest also voiced concerns over the exploitation of Tibet‘s natural resources by the Chinese government.
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He was subsequently sentenced to 13 years at Drapchi Prison in Lhasa, Tibet‘s largest detention center. According to Ngawang Sangdrol, a former political prisoner and childhood friend of Lodoe, now residing in the United States, Lodoe suffered “tremendous physical torture” during his imprisonment. This led to serious health issues, particularly with his liver, necessitating his release in 1995 for medical treatment.
Sonam Dorjee, another Tibetan activist who participated in the 1992 protest with Lodoe and now resides in Switzerland, recalled the harsh treatment they received in prison. He remembered Lodoe frequently suffering from health problems due to the abuse endured.
Jamphel Monlam, a former political prisoner and researcher at the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Dharamsala, expressed deep respect for Lodoe’s courage in standing up against the Chinese authorities. Monlam lamented the physical and mental torture that Lodoe and his fellow protesters underwent during their incarceration.
Lodoe’s death is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Tibetan activists in their struggle for freedom and human rights. His life and untimely death underscore the ongoing plight of Tibetan political prisoners and the enduring impact of their activism.
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