Rinzin Choenyi, a 26-year-old nun from Shungseb Nunnery, recently arrived in Dharamsala, India, following her release from Drapchi Prison in September 1995.
Rinzin was a close cell-mate of both Phuntsok Nyidron, a recipient of the 1995 Reebok Human rights Award and former longest serving female political prisoner in Tibet, and Ngawang Sangdrol, currently the longest-serving female political prisoner in Tibet.
Rinzin described Phuntsok as an extremely patriotic and tenacious woman who continuously stood up to the Drapchi prison officials. Upon the announcement of her prolonged prison term in 1993, Phuntsok did not exhibit any feelings of grief. In fact she was constantly heard to say, “I have no regrets whatsoever. By the grace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, everything will be fine and I shall be safe.”
Phuntsok comes from a family of eight members, including herself. She was closest to her older brother, Gyatso, who was also her most frequent visitor in prison. His visits stopped when he suffered an epileptic attack and passed away, but it was also suspected that his death may have been due to mental agony over Phuntsok’s prolonged prison term. Phuntsok’s other siblings comprise an elder sister, two younger sisters who are nuns and a younger brother who is a monk.
On 15 December 1995 Rinzin Choenyi went to visit Phuntsok in prison for the first time since her release. Unknown to her, it was also to be the last time she saw Phuntsok. The friends were not allowed to talk at all during the visit as an attendant stood close by to monitor them.
The second time Rinzin planned to visit was in October 1996. Prior to her visit, Phuntsok sent a message via her father, Choenza la, discouraging Rinzin from coming as she believed it would create unnecessary problems for her friend.
Phuntsok’s health is currently poor. She has kidney problems, walks with bent head and regularly complains of internal pains. She is currently serving 17 years.
Rinzin described Ngawang Sangdrol as a small built young nun, known to be very resourceful and courageous. Once, at a function where many officials and other prisoners were present, some of the nuns were compelled to perform songs and dances. Ngawang Sangdrol gave a solo performance and, when she sang, she replaced the original text with revolutionary words. She was subsequently interrogated and verbally assaulted.
In another incident, a composition written by Ngawang about freedom and Tibet somehow made its way into the hands of the prison officials. As a result she was interrogated and beaten.
Ngawang was involved in many other activities which annoyed the Chinese officials and constantly created difficulties for her. From 19 April 1996 to 3 October 1996, she was kept in solitary confinement existing on only two meager meals a day.
Ngawang is now serving 18 years behind bars and by the time she is released she will be 33 years old.