BEIJING:
A Tibetan monk who was one of China’s most prominent political prisoners has died in prison, raising the prospect of an increase in resentment of the government in Tibetan regions.
The United States, European Union and international rights groups had called for the release of the monk, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, 65, who died on Sunday in Chuandong prison in the southwestern city of Chengdu, his cousin, Geshe Nyima, told Reuters by telephone from India.
Tenzin Delek was serving a 20-year sentence on charges of “crimes of terror and incitement of separatism”.
The cause of death was not clear, Geshe Nyima said, adding that authorities had notified Tenzin Delek’s sisters on Sunday but did not elaborate on the circumstances of his death.
Tenzin Delek’s sisters were outside the Chuandong prison early on Monday, weeping and calling for the return of his body, Geshe Nyima said.
Telephone calls seeking comment from officials in Chuandong prison went unanswered.
“Rinpoche is not an ordinary person, he is one of the most respected leaders,” said Dorjee Tseten, Asia director of Students for a Free Tibet, a rights group that has campaigned for Tenzin Delek’s release. “His death is a shock for all of us.”
