Tibet Times reports that the health of two imprisoned Tibetan writers — Gangkye Drubpa Kyab and Tsering Dolma — has sharply deteriorated amid allegations that Chinese authorities systematically denied them adequate medical care while in custody.
According to the report, Drubpa Kyab is experiencing memory loss, impaired vision and worsening heart and kidney conditions. Tsering Dolma is said to be suffering memory problems, heart disease and multiple serious complications after allegedly enduring torture and prolonged abuse in detention. Tibet Times alleges that prison authorities ignored regulations that require timely medical assistance for detainees.
The report states that Drubpa Kyab was last known to be held at Mianyang Prison and Tsering Dolma at a women’s prison in Sershul County, but their current locations are uncertain amid frequent transfers that sources say are used to limit outside scrutiny. Family access has been tightly restricted: relatives of Drubpa Kyab were reportedly allowed a single visit in 2024, with further requests denied despite his declining condition.
Background provided by Tibet Times notes that Drubpa Kyab was arrested in March 2021 and later sentenced to 14 years, charged with inciting separatism; he had also been detained previously in 2012 and on other occasions, with authorities citing his writings and affiliations concerning Tibetan identity as grounds for prosecution. Tsering Dolma was arrested in April 2021 and, the report says, had been detained repeatedly since the 2008 Tibetan protests. Tibet Times also reports that Dolma suffered severe beatings in custody that left long-term injuries, including a broken hip, partial paralysis and chronic pain.
The account and allegations come from Tibet Times and were carried in a syndicated feed by ANI. These claims reflect reporting by those sources; independent verification of the detainees’ current medical status and locations was not provided in the report.
