The health of two imprisoned Tibetan writers has sharply worsened due to what sources describe as systematic denial of medical care by Chinese authorities, as reported by Tibet Times.
According to Tibet Times, writer-activists Gangkye Drubpa Kyab and Tsering Dolma are facing severe medical crises after being deprived of proper treatment and supervision in custody. Drubpa Kyab is said to be suffering from memory loss, impaired vision, and worsening heart and kidney conditions.
Tsering Dolma, who allegedly endured torture and prolonged abuse, is battling memory loss, heart disease, and multiple serious complications without access to adequate care. Chinese prison authorities have ignored regulations mandating timely medical assistance for detainees.
The report further claims that Tibetan political prisoners are deliberately denied healthcare facilities, worsening their already fragile conditions. While Drubpa Kyab was last known to be held at Mianyang Prison, and Dolma at a women’s prison in Sershul County, their current locations remain unknown, reportedly due to frequent transfers to evade international scrutiny.
Family access has also been tightly restricted.
Drubpa Kyab’s relatives were allowed only one visit in 2024, with all subsequent requests denied despite his declining health. Drubpa Kyab was arrested in March 2021 and later sentenced to 14 years on charges including “inciting separatism.”
His earlier arrest dates back to 2012, with repeated detentions linked to his writings and activism reflecting Tibetan identity and conditions. His works and affiliations were cited as grounds for prosecution, as highlighted by Tibet Times.
Tsering Dolma, arrested in April 2021, has a history of repeated detentions since the 2008 Tibetan protests. Reports indicate she suffered severe beatings in custody, leading to long-term injuries, including a broken hip, partial paralysis, and chronic pain, as reported by Tibet Times.
