Tsering Tso, a Tibetan human rights defender, has been subjected to arbitrary detention by the Yushu Public Security Bureau (PSB) for her social media posts calling out human rights abuses against Tibetans. The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) reports that this is the second time in three years that Tso has faced such treatment.
Tso was sentenced to 15 days of “administrative detention” from October 26 to November 10, 2023, for her posts on Douyin, where she accused the government of misinformation. The Yushu PSB claimed Tso committed the crime of “picking quarrels and provoking troubles” through her videos and statements.
Her videos, widely viewed online, highlighted several instances of discrimination and misuse of power by the authorities. In one video captured at the Lhasa railway station, Tso exposed the racial discrimination against Tibetan passengers, contrasting their treatment with that of Chinese tourists. In another, she questioned a police officer about the requirement for Tibetans to obtain permits to travel to Lhasa, arguing that it constituted clear discrimination.
Tso also raised concerns about the monopolization of the travel industry in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) by entities like the Lhasa Communications Industry Group Company, in collaboration with the Border Management Office. This monopoly has resulted in unemployment for many drivers from non-monopolized agencies, as their vehicles are denied permits.
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Originally from Trika County in Tsolho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Tso operates Tibet World Tours and Travel. Her previous detention occurred in November 2020 in Siling, Qinghai Province, where she was held for ten days and fined 1000 yuan. During that time, she faced starvation and threats, and her elderly father was also intimidated.
TCHRD points out that the PSB’s use of “administrative detention” is characterized by a vague legal framework, often contradicting the Chinese Constitution, which safeguards the liberty of citizens. Article 37 of the Chinese Constitution states that the personal freedom of citizens shall not be violated, yet the practices of the PSB tell a different story.
In 2017, after advocating for the legal issuance of travel permits for Yushu residents, Tso was physically assaulted, with the PSB attempting to dismiss the incident as the actions of drunk individuals. She continued to seek justice through her online posts, which were later made unavailable to the public.
Tso’s experiences highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights and justice in Tibetan regions, facing severe and oppressive circumstances. Her repeated detentions and the suppression of her voice underscore the challenges faced by human rights defenders in China, particularly in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
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