Dharamshala—An ordained monk since he was 13 years old Jigme was involved in monastic art and played many ritual instruments, he also acted as the vice chairman if the Democratic Management Committee. Today when 42 year old Jigme was released form Chinese custody he did not look like the gregarious man once was, the Tibetan center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) said, "Jigme looked very frail when he reached home after months in detention."Jigme, who is usually called Jigme Guri, is outspoken about human rights offenses in Tibet, secret video footage of Jigme was captured and subsequently aired internationally. He appeared describing Tibetan people’s aspirations and hopes, and gave a detailed account of the torture and human rights offenses that the Chinese committed against the monks from Labrang monastery that were detained during March of last year.
His video account of Chinese torture was based on a first hand experience. 22 March 2008 Jigme was arrested for the first time on behalf his suspected role in the protest that took place in Labrang on 14 March 2008. He was detained and tortured for two months before being released for medical reasons; no formal charges were brought against him.
Describing the conditions he faced in Chinese custody, he said. "They would hang me up for several hours with my hands tied to a rope ... hanging from the ceiling and my feet above the ground. Then they would beat me on my face, chest and back, with the full force of their fists."
“Finally, on one occasion, I lost consciousness and was taken to hospital. After I regained consciousness at the hospital, I was once again taken back to prison where they continued the practice of hanging me from the ceiling and beating me." He continued
After the video aired Jigme went into hiding for two months, but on 4 November 2008 Chinese military forces arrived at the house where he was hiding, and took him to a detention center at an undisclosed location.
The Tibetan government in exile says that over 220 Tibetans killed, 1,294 injured and 290 sentenced, more than 5,600 were arrested or detained and over 1,000 disappeared after the Chinese armed military deadly cracked down in all parts of Tibet.
