Tsering Tso, a prominent Tibetan rights activist, was detained for two weeks in Qinghai province, China, on charges of spreading false information and causing trouble, after exposing systemic discrimination faced by Tibetans.
Detention and Charges
Tsering Tso, 39, was detained from November 29 to December 13, 2024, in Qinghai province, China. She was accused of “spreading false information” and “causing trouble” via social media.
Her arrest followed a video she posted in November 2024, where a police officer at the Public Security Bureau in Trika County, also known as Guide, denied her passport application, citing a supposed criminal record.
Background on Tsering Tso’s Activism
Tso, who runs a travel business in Tibet and across China, has long been an outspoken critic of Chinese authorities. She advocates for equal rights for Tibetans and exposes discriminatory practices, particularly those faced by the Tibetan community under Chinese rule.
In the past five years, Tso has faced multiple detentions and harassment for her activism. She has consistently raised concerns about the discrimination that Tibetans face in areas like business licensing, government corruption, and unequal treatment.
Defiant After Release
Following her release, Tso expressed defiance, stating, “The laws in Qinghai differ from those in China. Each time I report on the police force’s discriminatory practices and violations of their disciplinary rules, they exert their power to detain and pressure the whistleblower on false charges arbitrarily.”
Her statement reflects her ongoing commitment to exposing the abuse of power and corruption by local officials in Tibet.
Previous Detention and Activism
Tso has previously been detained for speaking out against China’s treatment of Tibetans. In October 2023, videos surfaced showing her highlighting the challenges Tibetans face in obtaining business licenses. She also raised concerns over the unfair treatment of Tibetan monks, who were required to obtain extra permits for their pilgrimage, unlike Chinese tourists.
Earlier this year, Tso was detained for ten days under charges of “endangering social stability” after calling out discriminatory practices by local authorities.
The Bigger Picture: Ongoing Struggles for Tibetans
Tsering Tso’s activism is a symbol of the broader struggle for equal rights among Tibetans, who continue to face systemic discrimination under Chinese rule. Her experiences underscore the harsh realities faced by Tibetans in their homeland, where their rights and freedoms are heavily restricted.
