TWA condemns the wave of arrests of Tibetan Buddhist nuns in Tibet.
In yet another unfortunate turn of events, the Chinese security forces have arrested more than hundred Tibetan Buddhist nuns after they led a series of peaceful protest against the brutal Chinese regime in Tibet. According to Free Tibet Campaign, following the April 23 arrests of Bumo Lhaga and Sonam Dekyi from Drakar in Tibet, ten nuns from the Gaden Choeling nunnery in Kardze County were arrested on May 12 after protesting against the detention of the two nuns on April 23. Botsun, Trinley Sonam Yangtso, Tamdrin Tsekyi (36), Lhamo Choekyi (44), Dekyi, Bumo Yangkyi (21) - all from Serchu township in Kardze county - and Champa Lhamo, Trinley and Bumo Taga - all from Karak town in Kardze county.
On May 11 Thubten Dolma and Sonam Lhamo (both of Drakar nunnery) were also arrested after scattering flyers in Khardze town. The flyers called for the return of the Dalai Lama, according to the sources. Further protests broke out on May 14 in Kardze town. Six nuns from the Gaden Choeling nunnery were initially involved in the protest. The protesters shouted "Long Live the Dalai Lama!"
On May 14 at around 5pm Beijing time, around 76 nuns from the Pungrina nunnery in Kardze county staged a protest. The nuns gathered on the street linking Kardze monastery to the County police station and shouted slogans: "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama!" and "We want freedom!" 52 nuns were arrested by the police and the whereabouts of a further 19 nuns at the protest remain unknown. The sources revealed that Pungrina, situated 4km from Kardze town, is a nunnery which is home to 87 nuns. Following the protests and arrests there were only 16 nuns left in the nunnery.
Tibetan Women's Association expresses concern about the wellbeing and safety of the arrested nuns. We demand the Chinese authorities to immediately release all of them. It is time the Chinese Government respects the religious rights of the Tibetan Buddhists. We seek the restoration of religious freedom in Tibet.
For More Information
26 May 2008 China arrests four nuns in Kardze protest
26 May 2008 China tortures and arrests two nuns of Dargay Hardu Nunnery for peaceful protest
21 May 2008 China arrests three nuns of Tehor Nyagay Nunnery in Kardze
17 May 2008 China detains Drakar and Gaden Choeling Nuns in Kardze
17 May 2008 China arrests 55 nuns of Pang-ri Nunnery for protesting