The Chinese government has released Jigme Gyatso, 52, a Tibetan political prisoner after serving 17 years in prison. He was in debilitating condition due to years of severe torture suffered in prison. His overall health condition is very weak, and he has poor vision and a disabled foot. He was first arrested on 30 March 1996 for allegedly endangering national security and separatism by his involvement in forming an alliance for Tibet’s independence at Gaden monastery in Lhasa in 1992.