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Photo: Gu-Chu-Sum

Former Tibetan political prisoner Shonu Palden, 41, died on September 30 as a result of mistreatment and torture during his detention in prison in Machu County Kanlho, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province.

Shonu Palden was arrested by the Chinese authorities on June 18, 2012 at his hometown, Rongkor Village, for inciting protests in Machu County in 2008. He was sentenced to two years and nine months but released before the completion of his prison term with multiple health issues. He was released on July 24, 2013 and allowed to return to his family when it became clear that he would die in prison due to injuries from severe beatings and torture sustained while in detention. His health issues include weak eyesight, breathing problems and blocked arteries. His health did not improve following his release despite having gone under prolonged medical treatment, including two major surgeries.

Shonu Palden reportedly died on his way to the hospital on September 30. He is survived by his wife and three children who are below ten years of age.

“Mr Palden’s incarceration and subsequent death due to torture-related injuries violate a host of human rights conventions signed and ratified by China including the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,” said the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) after Palden’s demis. TCHRD calls on the Chinese government to lead a thorough investigation into the death of Shonu Palden.

Namgyal Dolma, Palden’s elder daughter aged 10, is reported to have heard that she has been denied school admission because of her father’s past political activity.

“Last year, we reported on the incident of Namgyal Dolma being denied school admission due to her father’s political activities. This is a typical example of collective punishment from local authorities – denying his daughter access to education as a form of intimidation and retribution – and is intended to discourage future dissent or related political activities” reports Free Tibet,a United Kingdom based online news portal campaigning for international recognition of Tibetans’right to freedom and an end to China’s occupation of Tibet.