Additional Name(s): ཚུལ་ཁྲིམས་སྐལ་བཟང་, 楚臣格桑(音)
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: China
Ethnic Group: Tibetan
Religion or Belief: Buddhist – Tibetan
Health Concerns: Liver disease
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 10 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: September/1/2012
Date of Sentencing: July/12/2013
Current Status: Unknown
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Possession of Religious Materials Reporting on Religious Freedom Conditions or Documenting Religious Freedom Violations
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Tsultrim Kalsang was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
On September 1, 2012, authorities raided Zilkar Monastery, near Zhaduo (Dzatoe) township, Chenduo (Tridu) county, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province, and detained four monks, including Kalsang. The three of the monks were reportedly suspected of providing information about a double self-immolation in Zhaduo to foreign media outlets. One monk is believed to have been in possession of images of the Dalai Lama.
On July 12, 2013, the Xining Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Kalsang to 10 years in prison on unspecified charges.
Kalsang's health has deteriorated while imprisoned, and he has reportedly been denied adequate medical care. He suffers from liver disease.
Kalsang's sentence should have ended.
"Tsultrim Kalsang" Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)
"Tibetan Monks Believed to Be in Failing Health in Jail" Radio Free Asia (RFA)
"Tibetan Monks Detained in Raid" Radio Free Asia (RFA)