Gonmo Kyi speaks out about her treatment in new video
The sister of political detainee Dorjee Tashi has been beaten, threatened and detained during her protests for her brother’s release
Gonmo Kyi, the sister of imprisoned Tibetan businessman Dorjee Tashi, has shared a new video talking about her efforts to raise her brother’s case with authorities.
In the video, released 24 September, Gonmo Kyi talks about her efforts to secure a retrial for Dorjee Tashi. She states how her protests in front of the court in Lhasa have seen her repeatedly being detained and beaten by Public Security Bureau officers and that she is in poor health.
On 27 July, the Court of Chengguan District of Lhasa City dismissed an appeal that she lodged against her treatment by PSB officials. Tibet Watch has seen the court’s documents in which court authorities stated that “petitioner, Gonmo Kyi, actions constitute breaking of the social rules and laws of the state.” It further stated that “Chengguan District of Lhasa City Public Security Bureau has warned her on several occasions but she didn’t obey the warning. Therefore, the Public Security Bureau had detained her”.
Tibet Watch reported in April that Gonmo Kyi was severely beaten that month, one of several occasions when she suffered ill-treatment or was threatened. On other occasions, police have simply attempted to obstruct her protest from public view.In December 2023, Gonmo Kyi was held in detention for a week.
Gonmo Kyi’s brother, Dorjee Tashi, is serving a life prison sentence. Prior to his arrest in 2008, he was a hotelier and philanthropist. He was charged with loan fraud, a charge his family and those following his case vigorously contest. He was also reportedly subject to torture in detention in 2010.
Gonmo Kyi and other family members have pushed for a retrial and to be able to visit him in prison. No in-person visit has been permitted since 2019.
Below is a full transcript of Gonmo Kyi’s latest video:
“I have petitioned the Lhasa Court to retry Dorjee Tashi’s case in accordance with the law of the State but they have refused to address it. The Public Security Bureau repeatedly detained me, dragged me and beat me! So, presently, I’m in an ill health condition, afflicted by these repeated beatings! I have no power/right to petition for a retrial of my brother’s case! I will continue to protest and petition unless and until the Lhasa Court addresses this appeal.”
Information supplied by Tibet Watch
